Japan Earthquake of Magnitude 7.5 Triggers Tsunami Warnings; Iwate and Hokkaido Urged to Evacuate
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off Japan's Tohoku coast, prompting tsunami warnings for Iwate and Hokkaido and immediate evacuation orders for coastal residents. Authorities reminded people to remember the 311 disaster and heed evacuation advice.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 17:51
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(Central News Agency Reporter Dai Yazhen, Tokyo, April 20th) A magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred off the coast of Japan's Tohoku region this afternoon, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue tsunami warnings and advisories. It urged residents in coastal and riverine areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground or evacuation facilities to prevent tsunami-related disasters. Television anchors repeatedly called for evacuation in calm tones, reminding viewers to "never forget 311," with Japanese and English messages repeatedly urging people to flee.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred at 4:53 PM local time (3:53 PM Taipei time). The epicenter was located in the Sanriku offshore area, approximately 100 kilometers east of Miyako City, with a focal depth of about 10 kilometers. The magnitude, initially estimated at 7.4, was revised upwards to 7.5. About two minutes after the quake, at 4:55 PM, authorities issued tsunami warnings for the Pacific coasts of Iwate Prefecture and central Hokkaido.
In addition, tsunami advisories were issued for the eastern and western Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Fukushima Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency noted that tsunamis may arrive repeatedly, with uncertainties in arrival times and actual heights, and that some areas could experience waves higher than predicted.
The Japan Meteorological Agency emphasized that areas under tsunami warnings are expected to face disasters, and residents near the coast or rivers should evacuate immediately to higher ground or designated evacuation buildings and remain in safe locations until the warning is lifted. For areas with tsunami advisories, the sea and coastal areas remain dangerous, and people should avoid approaching the sea or engaging in water activities.
Authorities reminded the public that it may take several hours from the predicted arrival time to the maximum height of a tsunami, urging vigilance and advising against complacency due to low initial wave observations. (Editor: Xie Yixuan) 1150420
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According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred at 4:53 PM local time (3:53 PM Taipei time). The epicenter was located in the Sanriku offshore area, approximately 100 kilometers east of Miyako City, with a focal depth of about 10 kilometers. The magnitude, initially estimated at 7.4, was revised upwards to 7.5. About two minutes after the quake, at 4:55 PM, authorities issued tsunami warnings for the Pacific coasts of Iwate Prefecture and central Hokkaido.
In addition, tsunami advisories were issued for the eastern and western Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Fukushima Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency noted that tsunamis may arrive repeatedly, with uncertainties in arrival times and actual heights, and that some areas could experience waves higher than predicted.
The Japan Meteorological Agency emphasized that areas under tsunami warnings are expected to face disasters, and residents near the coast or rivers should evacuate immediately to higher ground or designated evacuation buildings and remain in safe locations until the warning is lifted. For areas with tsunami advisories, the sea and coastal areas remain dangerous, and people should avoid approaching the sea or engaging in water activities.
Authorities reminded the public that it may take several hours from the predicted arrival time to the maximum height of a tsunami, urging vigilance and advising against complacency due to low initial wave observations. (Editor: Xie Yixuan) 1150420
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Download the CNA "One-stop News" APP to get the latest news in real time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.
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