The Japanese government lifted the subsequent earthquake advisory on April 27, but urged continued caution, warning that “the risk of a major earthquake has not gone away.”

The country issued the advisory on April 20 after a magnitude 7.7 quake struck northern Japan.

The advisory is issued when there is a relatively increased risk of a major earthquake.

Officials had called on people to be prepared for immediate evacuation.

Despite lifting the advisory, authorities said that strong tremors have occurred as late as 10 days after a major quake.

They stressed that the possibility of another large earthquake remained, and called on the public to stay prepared.

The announcement came ahead of Japan’s so-called Golden Week holiday.

Officials also advised people to check hazard maps and assess risks at their destinations in advance, as travel is expected to increase over the holiday.