Tsunami warning issued due to strong earthquake off the coast of northern Japan
A strong earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami warning for the region.
The quake, which recorded a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, struck at around 4:53 p.m. (7:53 p.m. Japan time) off the coast of Sanriku in northern Japan, at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles) below sea level, authorities said.
Japanese public television NHK reported that a tsunami of up to 3 meters (10 feet) could soon hit the area.
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Below are photos taken this morning in Japan after the big earthquake.
Justin McQuarrie
Japan’s Japan Meteorological Agency said an earthquake of “similar magnitude” could last up to a week, according to Kyodo News.
As darkness fell, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries amid warnings that another tsunami had been observed offshore.
According to NHK, Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Aomori in the Tohoku region, as well as local trains in the affected areas, have been suspended.
The newscaster reminded viewers that tsunamis can grow in size over time, and that even a “small” wave, about 80 centimeters (80 centimeters) high, could be powerful enough to knock people off their feet.
Japanese broadcasters have added a sense of urgency to their on-screen advice since the 2011 disaster, when victims included those who failed to evacuate or fled too late.
Evacuation advisory to residents near the disaster area
People living near Japan’s coastal areas where a tsunami is expected to hit are advised to evacuate immediately, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.
The warning stated:
A tsunami is approaching the coast. Please evacuate as soon as possible. Waves can come repeatedly. Please continue to evacuate until all warnings are lifted.
NKH added the following to the report:
If you are in the affected area, please stay away from coasts and estuaries that may be flooded. Please continue to evacuate until all warnings are lifted.
The report said that although there may be some changes in sea level, “there is no risk of tsunami damage,” adding:
People in affected areas must evacuate immediately. Immediately run to a higher safe place. The arrival time of the tsunami is only a guideline.
In fact, a wave may arrive sooner or later. Please continue to evacuate while the warning is in effect.
Waves can be much higher than expected.
There is no tsunami threat to Australia, according to a notice issued by the country’s Bureau of Meteorology.
In a post this morning, the department said:
A magnitude 7.5 undersea earthquake occurred at 5:52pm (AEST) on Monday.
April 20, 2026, off the coast of Honshu, Japan.
There is no tsunami threat to mainland Australia, islands or territories.
It added that it would not provide further updates unless the situation changes.
Tsunami observed in multiple areas
Justin McQuarrie
Japanese authorities are calling on people living near Japan’s northeast coast to evacuate to higher ground after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami warning., Tokyo correspondent Justin McCurry writes:, Wave height is expected to reach 3 meters.
Tsunamis have been observed in multiple areas, and warnings and advisories have been issued for Fukushima, Iwate, Aomori, and the northernmost tip of the main island of Hokkaido.
Public broadcaster NHK showed live footage of parts of the coastline, with announcers repeatedly urging people to flee before dark.
The earthquake, which occurred just before 5 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers off the coast, registered a magnitude 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 7. This means the shaking was strong enough to make it difficult to move without support and even knock over furniture.
It has been 15 years since the same area was devastated by a magnitude 9 earthquake that caused a tsunami and triple meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Approximately 20,000 people died in this disaster, most of whom were washed away by the tsunami.
It has been 15 years since March 11, 2011, when a much more powerful magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of northern Japan. The Associated Press reported that about 20,000 people died and nearly 500,000 were forced to flee their homes.
About 160,000 people in Fukushima were evacuated from their homes due to radiation released from the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. About 26,000 of them have not returned because they have moved elsewhere, their hometowns remain off-limits, or concerns about radiation persist.
There is There are no nuclear power plants Currently operating in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, Hokkaido Electric Power and Tohoku Electric Power have many shut down nuclear power plants.
Tohoku Electric Power Co. announced that it is investigating the effects of the earthquake and tsunami on its Onagawa nuclear power plant.
Evacuation advisory for people in affected areas
Officials said the earthquake’s strength has been revised to a maximum of 7.5, and the strongest waves from the tsunami are expected in Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures.
According to Reuters, the prime minister Sanae Takaichi said the government has set up an emergency response headquarters. He called on residents in the affected areas to evacuate to a safe location.
NHK showed a ship setting sail from Hachinohe Port in Hokkaido in anticipation of waves, and issued a warning of “Tsunami!”. Evacuate! ‘ flashed across the screen.
Kyodo News reported that bullet train services in Aomori Prefecture, on the northern tip of Japan’s main island of Honshu, were suspended due to the shaking.
Tsunami warning issued due to strong earthquake off the coast of northern Japan
A strong earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami warning for the region.
The quake, which recorded a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, struck at around 4:53 p.m. (7:53 p.m. Japan time) off the coast of Sanriku in northern Japan, at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles) below sea level, authorities said.
Japanese public television NHK reported that a tsunami of up to 3 meters (10 feet) could soon hit the area.
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