On Monday, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings for waves potentially reaching 3 meters (approximately 9.84 feet). The earthquake occurred at 4:52 p.m. local time, and initial tsunami waves were detected at 80 cm. Evacuation orders were issued for several port towns, including Otsuchi and Kamaishi, which suffered greatly during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the formation of an emergency task force and urged residents in affected areas to prioritize safety. Tsunamis occur when the seafloor shifts vertically during an earthquake, displacing water and creating waves that travel outward. Not all earthquakes lead to tsunamis; they must meet specific criteria, including being shallow and having significant vertical displacement. Tsunami waves can travel at speeds over 800 km/h in deep waters, but as they approach the coast, they slow down and increase in height, posing a serious risk to coastal communities.