The estimated population of Asiatic black bears in Iwate Prefecture has surged from 3,700 to 5,200 (preliminary figures), according to a prefectural report. This increase is attributed to improved survey methods. The prefecture plans to exceed the initially set capture limit of 796 bears to manage the growing population.
Japan's Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures after an earthquake struck at 4.53pm, with waves up to three metres expected. Live footage showed fishing boats leaving ports while broadcasters urged low-lying area residents to evacuate. A professor in Hokkaido described the tremor as the closest he's experienced to the devastating 2011 earthquake.
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck off Japan's Sanriku Coast at a depth of 10km, prompting tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures with waves up to 3 metres expected. The quake measured "upper 5" on Japan's seismic intensity scale, strong enough to make movement difficult and cause unreinforced concrete walls to collapse. The tremor was felt as far as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away.
