NewsFlash Daily™
20 April 
Powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake off northeastern Japan sparks tsunami alerts, halts bullet trains and forces mass evacuations across coastal regions.
Tokyo: Panic gripped Japan after a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s northeastern coast on Monday evening, triggering urgent tsunami warnings and evacuation alerts across several coastal prefectures. Authorities warned that waves of up to 3 metres (10 feet) could hit shorelines in the affected regions.
The quake struck at around 4:53 PM local time in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, with a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres, increasing the risk of tsunami activity. Tremors were felt across wide parts of Japan, including buildings shaking in Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away.
Tsunami Warning for Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido
Japan’s Meteorological Agency immediately issued tsunami warnings for Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido, urging residents to leave coastal and riverside areas without delay.
Officials asked people to move to higher ground and remain there until further notice, warning that multiple waves could strike over several hours.
“Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to safer places such as high ground,” authorities warned.
Bullet Trains Halted, Emergency Teams Activated
Following the quake, bullet train services between Tokyo and Aomori were suspended as a precautionary measure. Local rail networks in impacted areas were also temporarily stopped.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that emergency response teams had been activated to monitor damage, assist evacuations, and assess any casualties.
No Major Damage Confirmed Yet
Initial reports did not confirm large-scale destruction or casualties, but officials said inspections were underway at critical infrastructure, including regional nuclear facilities and power networks.
Experts also warned that aftershocks may continue for several days following the strong seismic event.
