Tokyo, April 20: A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast on Monday, triggering tsunami waves along the Pacific shoreline and prompting large-scale evacuation orders across multiple prefectures.
The tremor hit at 4:53 pm local time off the Sanriku coast, with its epicentre located at a latitude of 39.8 degrees north and longitude of 143.2 degrees east. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 km and registered upper 5 on the country’s seismic intensity scale in the worst-affected parts of Aomori Prefecture. The magnitude was initially estimated at 7.4 before being revised to 7.5.
Tsunami warnings were swiftly issued for Aomori and Iwate prefectures, along with Hokkaido’s Pacific coast, with authorities warning that waves of up to three metres could arrive. Initial observations confirmed rising sea levels at multiple coastal points.
At Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture, tsunami waves measuring 80 cm were recorded, while Miyako Port reported 40 cm waves. Hachinohe Port in Aomori registered a 30 cm rise, and the town of Erimo in Hokkaido recorded a 20 cm wave. Officials indicated that additional waves were expected across a broad stretch of the coastline.
Thousands of residents in vulnerable coastal areas were directed to evacuate immediately to safer locations as a precaution against further wave surges. The situation remained under close monitoring as emergency responses were activated across the affected regions.
Transport services also faced disruption following the quake. East Japan Railway Company suspended operations of the Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stations as safety checks were carried out.
Despite the intensity of the quake and subsequent tsunami activity, operators reported no abnormalities at nuclear facilities in Aomori and Miyagi prefectures. There were also no new issues identified at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in impacted zones to move to higher ground and follow evacuation advisories issued by authorities.
The developments underline the continuing seismic risks along Japan’s Pacific coastline, particularly in regions historically prone to powerful earthquakes and tsunami activity.
