Japan Earthquake: Major 7.4-magnitude quake hits off Japan, tsunami observed

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday evening, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for waves of up to three metres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake hit at 4:53 pm local time in the Pacific Ocean off Iwate prefecture, with tremors felt as far as Tokyo.

Public broadcaster NHK reported that tsunami waves were already observed along parts of the coast and waves of up to 3 metres (10 feet) could hit shortly. Kyodo news agency reported that bullet train operations between Tokyo and Aomori were halted following the earthquake, while Tokyo Electric Power said it is checking the impact of the quake on its facilities.

The weather agency warned that the first tsunami waves could reach shorelines immediately after the quake. It urged residents in affected areas to move to safer locations without delay.


“Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building,” the agency said. It added, “Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted.”

The prime minister’s office confirmed that a crisis management team had been set up to respond to the situation.

Japan remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where four major tectonic plates meet. The country records around 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for nearly 18 percent of global seismic activity.

Most of these tremors are minor, but their impact depends on factors such as location and depth. The risks were highlighted in 2011, when a magnitude-9.0 earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed or left missing 18,500 people and caused a nuclear accident at the Fukushima plant.