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7.5 Magnitude Quake Hits Japan, Tsunami Warnings Issued for Coast

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck northeastern Japan, prompting the weather agency to issue tsunami warnings for several prefectures. The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth, was felt strongly and initially estimated at 7.4 magnitude. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in affected areas to evacuate to higher ground immediately. Train services were suspended, but no issues were reported at key nuclear power plants in the region.

Key Points: Japan Earthquake: 7.5 Magnitude Quake Triggers Tsunami Warning

  • 7.5 magnitude quake hits northeastern Japan
  • Tsunami warning issued for Pacific coasts
  • Waves up to 3 meters forecast
  • No abnormalities reported at nuclear plants
  • Bullet train services suspended
2 min read

7.5 magnitude earthquake in Japan, Tsunami warning issued

A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan, prompting tsunami warnings for northern coasts. Officials urge evacuations as bullet trains are halted.

"Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 - 100 km ENE of Miyako, Japan - USGS"

Tokyo, April 20

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck northeastern and northern Japan on Monday, with a tsunami warning issued, the country's weather agency said.

An 80-centimeter tsunami was observed at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, the Japanese Met Agency said.

The 4:53 p.m. quake registered an upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, state media Kyodo cited.

"Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 - 100 km ENE of Miyako, Japan," the USGS said. The earthquake's magnitude was initially estimated to be 7.4 but was later revised up.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of quakes of a similar scale for a week, Kyodo reported.

Public broadcaster NHK reported that the quake struck at a depth of 10 km.

The Japanese weather agency issued tsunami warnings for the Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures, forecasting tsunami waves of up to 3 meters to arrive immediately.

No abnormalities were reported at the Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear plants in Aomori and Miyagi prefectures or at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear power plants in Fukushima Prefecture, according to their operators, as per the Kyodo news agency.

Addressing reporters at her office, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged people in quake-affected areas to evacuate to higher ground.

JR East said it has suspended services of the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The immediate suspension of the Shinkansen shows how prepared they are. We in India can learn a lot from Japan's disaster management protocols. Their early warning systems are world-class. Praying for minimal damage.
A
Aman W
A 7.5 magnitude at just 10km depth is extremely dangerous. The fact that no abnormalities were reported at the nuclear plants is a huge relief, especially after Fukushima. Let's hope the tsunami waves aren't as high as forecasted.
S
Sarah B
Having experienced the 2004 tsunami, my stomach churns reading this. The trauma lasts for generations. I sincerely hope the evacuation orders are followed strictly. Nature's fury is unforgiving.
V
Vikram M
Japan's resilience is admirable. They had warnings for a week about quakes of similar scale. Their public communication through NHK is so efficient. In our metros, we struggle with basic weather alerts. Time to invest in better systems.
K
Karthik V
Thoughts with our Japanese friends. Many Indians work and study there. Hope the Indian embassy is ready to assist if needed. The Pacific Ring of Fire is truly active. 🙏

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