First tsunami wave reaches Japan’s Iwate coast after strong earthquake, authorities monitor nuclear plants

First tsunami wave reaches Japan’s Iwate coast after strong earthquake, authorities monitor nuclear plants



Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to media after the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake off the north-eastern coast of Japan, at her official residence in Tokyo April 20, 2026. — Reuters pic

Monday, 20 Apr 2026 5:16 PM MYT


MOSCOW, April 20 — The first tsunami wave — 40 cm (15.7 inches) in height — has reached the coast of the Iwate prefecture in Japan, according to the NHK broadcaster today, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.


It said the Japanese authorities are checking the operation of nuclear power plants after the powerful earthquake.


According to Tohoku Electric Power, Onagawa NPP in the Miyagi prefecture is being checked for possible deviations.

The operator of Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) announced that the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture is being checked for possible new anomalies.


A similar check is being carried out at the Fukushima-2 nuclear power plant.


It added that Kyodo news agency reported that no emergencies were recorded at Fukushima-1 and Fukushima-2 nuclear power plants.

Earlier in the day, the Japanese Meteorological Agency said that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred in the northern part of the Japanese island of Honshu in the Pacific Ocean in the area of Aomori and Iwate prefectures.


NHK reported that a tsunami was recorded at sea, approaching the Japanese prefectures of Iwate and Aomori.

The maximum force of the tremors was 5+ points on a seven-point scale adopted in Japan.

A tsunami threat was declared on the Pacific coast from the northernmost island of Hokkaido to the north of Honshu Island. It was also extended to the east coast of northern Japan. — Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti

***

After 7.7 quake, Japan warns of higher likelihood of ‘huge’ magnitude‑8 event



This photo shows a warning message on a screen from a live feed on NHK with tsunami alert after an earthquake hit northern Japan, in Tokyo on April 20, 2026. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on April 20, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said, issuing a tsunami warning for waves up to three metres. — AFP pic

Monday, 20 Apr 2026 7:49 PM MYT


TOKYO, April 20 — Japan issued a special advisory today warning of an increased risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger, after a powerful jolt rattled the country’s north and prompted a tsunami warning.


The Japan Meteorological Agency said in a statement that “the likelihood of a new, huge earthquake occurring is relatively higher than during normal times”.


The warning for the northern region came a few hours after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the area, shaking large buildings in the capital Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre.

The quake, which was initially estimated at magnitude 7.4 before being revised to 7.5 and again to 7.7, hit at 4.53pm (0753 GMT/3.53pm Malaysian time) in Pacific waters off northern Iwate prefecture.


There were no immediate reports of serious injuries or significant damage, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a news conference.


A Cabinet Office official told a separate televised briefing that “while it is uncertain whether (another) major earthquake will actually occur, we ask that you take disaster preparedness measures based on the principle that you are responsible for your own safety”. — AFP