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Japan Issues Tsunami Warning After 7.5 Magnitude Quake Strikes Coast

A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan, prompting immediate tsunami warnings for several prefectures. Tsunami waves, with the largest observed at 80 cm in Kuji Port, were recorded along the Pacific coast, leading to evacuation orders for thousands of residents. Japanese authorities reported no abnormalities at nuclear facilities in the affected regions, including the Fukushima plants. The quake also caused the suspension of bullet train services in the area.

Key Points: Japan Tsunami Warning After 7.5 Earthquake

  • 7.5 quake hits Sanriku coast
  • Tsunami warnings for Aomori, Iwate, Hokkaido
  • Waves up to 80 cm observed
  • Evacuation orders for coastal residents
  • No issues reported at nuclear plants
2 min read

Tsunami warning issued after 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits Japan

A major 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits northeastern Japan, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for coastal areas. No nuclear abnormalities reported.

"Thousands of residents along the coastal areas were being ordered to evacuate. - The Japan Times"

Tokyo, April 20

Tsunami waves were observed off Iwate and Aomori prefectures in the Pacific Ocean after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan Monday afternoon.

Tsunami warnings were issued for Aomori, Iwate prefectures and Hokkaido on the Pacific coast by the country's weather agency. It also forecast tsunami waves of up to three metres are to arrive immediately.

Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture recorded an 80-cm wave, reported Xinhua news agency.

"At Aomori's Hachinohe Port, a 30-cm tsunami was observed, while the town of Erimo in Hokkaido saw a 20-cm tsunami. Thousands of residents along the coastal areas were being ordered to evacuate," reported The Japan Times.

The newspaper also mentioned that "At Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture, an 80-centimetre tsunami was observed, while Miyako Port, also in Iwate, saw a 40-cm tsunami, with more waves expected. Waves were also forecast to arrive at other locations across a wide swath of the prefecture's coast."

No abnormalities have been reported so far at nuclear plants in the affected prefectures of Aomori and Miyagi, and no new issues have been identified at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants, according to their operators.

The temblor occurred at 4:53 pm local time at a depth of 10 km, measuring upper 5 on Japan's seismic scale of 7 in the hardest-hit areas in Aomori Prefecture, said the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The quake's epicentre was located at a latitude of 39.8 degrees north and a longitude of 143.2 degrees east.

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

The Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stations were also suspended, said JR East (railway).

Initially, the magnitude of the earthquake was estimated to be 7.4 but was later revised to 7.5

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A 7.5 magnitude is massive. Thankfully, the initial tsunami waves reported are not as high as feared. The most reassuring line in the article is about no abnormalities at the nuclear plants. After Fukushima, that's the biggest worry for the world.
D
David E
Watching from here, Japan's disaster preparedness is a masterclass. Suspending bullet trains immediately, clear evacuation orders. We could learn so much. Hoping the damage is minimal and everyone stays safe.
A
Arjun K
This is terrifying news. The Sanriku coast has seen devastation before. I have friends in Sendai. Thankfully they've checked in as safe. The speed of their warning system is incredible. #PrayForJapan
S
Sarah B
While Japan's response is commendable, it's a stark reminder of our own vulnerabilities. Chennai, Mumbai, Odisha coast - do we have robust enough tsunami warning systems and evacuation drills for our dense populations? A question we must ask seriously.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions the quake was at 10km depth. That's very shallow, which usually means stronger shaking. Hope the infrastructure held up. Japan builds for this, but nature is unpredictable. Sending strength to all affected.

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