Quake safety measures guided decisions on Wednesday as northern Japan reopened schools following a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake. The reopening marked an important step as authorities balanced restoring daily routines with protecting students and surrounding communities.
Education officials across northern prefectures confirmed that most schools resumed classes after completing overnight safety inspections. However, several campuses remained closed because engineers identified damage requiring additional structural evaluations. Local governments emphasized that student safety outweighed pressure to resume classes quickly.
Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency maintained alerts for possible strong aftershocks along the Pacific coast. Analysts reviewed seismic data and warned that heightened tectonic activity could continue for at least another week. Therefore, officials urged residents to stay prepared for evacuations, especially in coastal communities vulnerable to tsunamis.
On Tuesday, more than 300 schools across Hokkaido and northeastern prefectures suspended classes following the quake. By Wednesday morning, administrators reopened many facilities after confirming evacuation routes, emergency supplies, and communication protocols. Teachers also reviewed safety drills to reassure students returning to classrooms.
In Aomori Prefecture, schools reported steady attendance as families prioritized stability despite lingering aftershock concerns. Parents spent the previous day discussing emergency plans, which helped reduce anxiety among younger students. Educators noted calm behavior among most children.
Meanwhile, schools in southern Hokkaido delayed classes briefly to reconfirm evacuation procedures with local authorities. Administrators stressed frequent communication with families to maintain trust during the heightened alert period. Several municipalities also opened voluntary evacuation shelters for residents seeking safer temporary accommodations.
Authorities reported that 342 shelters operated across five prefectures at the peak of displacement. Officials recorded approximately 9,200 shelter admissions as communities responded cautiously to ongoing seismic risks. Health officials confirmed 52 injuries, including one serious case, while hospitals remained on heightened readiness.
The earthquake struck late Monday off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture, triggering tsunami warnings across several regions. Ports in Iwate and Aomori recorded small waves, including a 70-centimeter surge at Kuji Port. Consequently, maritime authorities restricted some coastal activities until conditions stabilized.
The agency’s special alert system activated automatically for offshore quakes exceeding magnitude 7.0. This system currently covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures from Hokkaido to Chiba. Officials clarified that daily life may continue, yet quake safety measures remain essential throughout the alert period.
Looking ahead, infrastructure inspections, seismic studies, and public guidance will continue as quake safety measures stay enforced. Authorities expect cautious recovery efforts to extend as scientists monitor fault activity and potential aftershocks.
