Tokyo (Japan), 20 Apr. (LaPresse/AP) – Japan has issued an alert for its northern coastal areas due to an increased risk of a possible mega-earthquake triggered by the strong earthquake recorded earlier today. The Cabinet Office and the Japan Meteorological Agency have stated that there is a 1% probability of a mega-earthquake occurring off the northern coast of Japan in the coming week, following this morning’s powerful earthquake near the Chishima Trench. Officials clarified that the advisory is not a seismic forecast, but urged residents to step up their preparedness, for example by stocking up on emergency food supplies and a first-aid kit just in case, whilst continuing with their daily activities.