• MISAWA AB, Japan

An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale struck the Sanriku coast of northern Japan, causing minor damage to facilities here at a few of the base’s Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) retail facilities.

The earthquake — which hit shortly before 5 p.m. Japan time on Monday, April 20 — led to an immediate tsunami and evacuation warnings for the Pacific coast of the Aomori Prefecture, where Misawa AB is located, as well as the Hokkaido and Iwate Prefectures.   

According to The Associated Press, as of Wednesday, April 22, the tsunami warnings have been canceled. No evacuation order was issued for the air base. 

MINOR DAMAGE

Aside from some items being knocked off shelves and two ceiling tiles coming loose, the main store did not 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.
 

NOT THE FIRST TIME 

AAFES facilities at the base have been hit by earthquakes in the past. 

The Misawa BX was among the Exchange facilities affected by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan in 2011. 

After the main store lost power in that earthquake, 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 Friday, March 11; by Monday, March 14, the main store reopened, using power from generators. 

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka