Powerful earthquake hits northern Japan triggering tsunami warnings

On Monday, April 20, 2026, a major earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan, with reports of its magnitude ranging from 7.4 to 7.7. The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded the quake at 4:53 p.m. local time, initially placing the depth at 10 km before adjusting it to 19 km. Tsunami waves measuring 70 to 80 centimeters were recorded at the port of Kuji in Iwate prefecture, while authorities issued warnings for waves potentially reaching up to 3 meters in the Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido prefectures. Over 182,000 residents were advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged citizens to seek higher ground, and transportation was disrupted, including the suspension of the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services. Although nuclear facilities were reported to be operating normally, officials warned that the risk of a larger, subsequent earthquake remains elevated. No major structural collapses or casualties have been confirmed, but the event continues to prompt high-level emergency monitoring.