Tsunami Alerts Issued Following 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan

A significant earthquake measuring 7.5 struck off Japan's northeastern coast, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting evacuations in Iwate and Aomori prefectures. Waves of up to three meters were forecasted, with reports of 80-centimeter waves at Kuji Port. Authorities have confirmed no issues at nearby nuclear plants, while the Prime Minister has urged residents to move to higher ground. Train services have been suspended as a precaution. This seismic event highlights the ongoing risks faced by coastal communities in Japan.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 16:52 IST

Seismic Activity Triggers Tsunami Warnings

Representational Image

Tokyo, April 20: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan on Monday afternoon, prompting tsunami waves to be detected near Iwate and Aomori prefectures.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for the Pacific coastal regions of Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido, predicting waves could reach heights of up to three meters shortly after the quake.

Reports indicate that Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture experienced an 80-centimeter wave, according to sources.

At Hachinohe Port in Aomori, a tsunami of 30 centimeters was recorded, while Erimo in Hokkaido saw a smaller wave of 20 centimeters. Authorities have ordered thousands of coastal residents to evacuate to safer areas, as reported by local media.

Further details revealed that Kuji Port recorded an 80-centimeter tsunami, and Miyako Port also in Iwate experienced a 40-centimeter wave, with additional waves anticipated. Other coastal locations in the prefecture are also expected to be affected.

Fortunately, no irregularities have been reported at nuclear facilities in Aomori and Miyagi prefectures, and both the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini plants have not encountered any new issues, according to their operators.

The earthquake struck at 4:53 PM local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers, registering upper 5 on Japan's seismic scale of 7 in the most severely impacted areas of Aomori Prefecture, as stated by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The epicenter of the quake was pinpointed at a latitude of 39.8 degrees north and a longitude of 143.2 degrees east.

In response to the disaster, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in affected regions to seek higher ground during a press briefing.

Additionally, JR East announced the suspension of Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stations.

The earthquake's initial magnitude was reported as 7.4 but was later adjusted to 7.5.