A strong earthquake hit the northeastern part of Japan, causing anxiety among the population and urgent reactions of the competent services.
Footage showing the extent of the tremors appeared on social media, while authorities warned of a possible tsunami threat and urged citizens to evacuate coastal areas.
According to available information, an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale was recorded on Monday at 16:52 local time. Immediately after that, warnings were issued due to possible waves that could reach a height of up to three meters.
The most threatened areas are the prefectures of Iwate and Aomori in the north of the island of Honshu, as well as the island of Hokkaido. In the first hour after the earthquake, waves up to 80 centimeters high were registered, but the danger of bigger waves still hasn’t passed.
The evacuation of the population was ordered in several port cities. Among them are Otsuchi and Kamaishi, places that suffered great destruction during the 2011 disaster. Japan’s public broadcaster reports that thousands of people have been urged to evacuate to safer locations.
A tsunami hits Japan after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake.
The first waves are already hitting the Port of Hachinohe…. #Tsunami #Earthquake #Japan pic.twitter.com/GfesU38grx
— Devesh , forest dweller (@Devesh81403955) April 20, 2026
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that a crisis headquarters had been formed and appealed to citizens to act according to the instructions of the competent services.
“Possible damage and potential victims are currently being assessed,” she said.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that there is a possibility of strong aftershocks in the coming period.
BREAKING NEWS – 7.4-magnitude earthquake hits Japan.
Heavy Tsunami warning issued.
Save yourself like this way……. pic.twitter.com/S0kjtffgej
— श्रावन बिशनोई (किसान/ Hindus) (@SKBishnoi29Rule) April 20, 2026
Television footage showed ships leaving Hachinohe harbor in anticipation of the incoming wave, while screens broadcast warnings of a tsunami and the need for immediate evacuation. Experts point out that waves several meters high could cause floods and seriously threaten the lives of people in coastal areas.
Due to ground shaking, high-speed train traffic in Aomori has been temporarily suspended, local media reports.
Data from the Japan Meteorological Agency show that the epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
On the national seismic scale, the intensity of the upper five was recorded, which can make movement difficult and cause damage to weakly constructed buildings.
Japan is located in a seismically active area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, where a large number of powerful earthquakes are recorded.
The competent companies announced that there are no irregularities in the operation of nuclear facilities in the affected areas, and that there are no active power plants that could pose an additional risk.
(Vijesti.ba)
