Japan tsunami warning latest as people told to avoid the coast after 7.5-magnitude earthquake

WorldEnvironment
20 Apr 2026 • 10:23 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Japan tsunami warning latest as people told to avoid the coast after 7.5-magnitude earthquake

  • Japan initially issued tsunami warnings for its eastern coastline following a major 7.5-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.
  • The earthquake, with an epicentre 100km east of Miyako in Iwate prefecture, prompted warnings for waves up to three metres in Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate.
  • The Japan Meteorological Agency later downgraded these warnings to advisories, indicating a likelihood of waves up to one metre.
  • Despite the downgrade, residents were still advised to stay away from coastal areas, and the first tsunami waves, including a 40 cm wave at Miyako port, reached Iwate prefecture.
  • Officials also issued an advisory for northern coastal areas regarding a one per cent chance of a mega-quake in the coming week, urging preparedness.

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