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7.4 Earthquake Off Japan Triggers Tsunami Warnings

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on April 20, prompting tsunami warnings of up to 3 metres for coastal areas including Iwate prefecture and parts of Hokkaido. The tremor occurred near the Sanriku coast at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, generating a seismic intensity of upper 5. The quake struck the same region devastated by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as emergency response efforts continue.

Apr 20th 2026 · Japan

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on the afternoon of April 20, prompting tsunami warnings of up to 3 metres for coastal areas including Iwate prefecture and parts of Hokkaido, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The earthquake occurred at 4:53pm local time, with its epicentre located at latitude 39.8 north and longitude 143.2 east off the Sanriku coast at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres. The tremor generated a seismic intensity of upper 5 on Japan's seven-point scale, a level at which most people find it difficult to walk without holding onto stable objects and unfixed furniture may fall over. Initial magnitude estimates varied between agencies, with the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre reporting a preliminary magnitude of 7.3. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings for potential tsunami waves reaching up to 3 metres along the affected coastal regions. This remains a developing story. The quake struck the same region that was devastated by the massive 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which caused widespread destruction and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as emergency response efforts continue.

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