Japanese officials have warned of a possible “huge” earthquake in the coming week after a 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the north-east coast of Japan, triggering evacuations and tsunami warnings.

The earthquake occurred off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, about 530 km north of Tokyo, prompting thousands of residents to move to higher ground due to fears of tsunami waves reaching up to 3 metres.

Although the largest recorded tsunami wave was 80 cm and the warnings were later lifted, authorities remain cautious about further seismic activity.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency has warned that stronger earthquakes could still occur in the coming days, with the potential for more powerful tremors and higher tsunami waves.

Officials also noted that the likelihood of a magnitude 8.0 or stronger quake is currently higher than normal.

The warning has revived painful memories of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 18,000 people and caused a nuclear disaster at Fukushima.

Following Monday’s quake, residents in regions including Honshu and Hokkaido were urged to remain alert, as tremors were felt even in Tokyo.

Emergency responses included evacuation orders for more than 170,000 people, temporary disruption of bullet train services, and localized power outages, although no major damage or injuries were immediately reported.

Authorities continue to advise residents in coastal areas to remain cautious, as Japan remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.