Shortly before 5 p.m. Japan time on April 20, an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck the Sanriku coast of northern Japan, causing minor damage to facilities at the Misawa AB Exchange.
The earthquake led to immediate tsunami and evacuation warnings for the Pacific coast of the Aomori Prefecture, where Misawa is located, as well as the Hokkaido and Iwate Prefectures. According to The Associated Press, the tsunami warnings have since been canceled. No evacuation order was issued for the air base.
Aside from some items being knocked off shelves and two ceiling tiles coming loose, the main store didn’t suffer immediate damage. The Express reported one broken beverage bottle. No damage was found at the gas station, food court, concession mall or Military Clothing store.
Although little immediate damage was found, damage assessments are ongoing.
The Misawa BX was among Exchange facilities affected by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan in 2011. After the main store lost power in that quake, associates quickly closed the store and moved most emergency goods to a nearby Express so customers could get needed supplies, which were available less than 24 hours after the quake.
Associates quickly cleared the customer-service areas of the main store and ensured that all customers were safe. The quake occurred March 11; by March 14, the main store had reopened, using power from generators.
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