April 21, 2026 | 06:32 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday afternoon, triggering tsunami warnings and widespread precautionary measures across the region. The tremor, which hit at a depth of around 20 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean near Iwate, caused strong shaking that made it difficult for people to stand in some areas and was felt as far as Tokyo.
Authorities initially warned of tsunami waves reaching up to three meters, prompting evacuation orders for nearly 172,000 residents across coastal areas from Hokkaido to Chiba. Within two hours, waves of up to 80 centimeters were recorded at several ports, including Kuji and Miyako in Iwate Prefecture. The warning was later downgraded to an advisory as the immediate threat eased.
Several towns with memories of the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, such as Otsuchi and Kamaishi, swiftly ordered evacuations. Public broadcasts repeatedly urged residents to move to higher ground, reinforcing lessons from past disasters. Despite the intensity of the quake, there were no reports of major casualties, although minor injuries and limited structural damage—including to schools and restaurants—were recorded.
Transport services were disrupted as bullet trains and some regional rail lines were temporarily halted, while sections of highways were closed for safety checks. Rail operations gradually resumed the following day. Power outages affected around 100 households in Aomori, and emergency teams were deployed to assess damage and support affected communities.
In response to the quake, the government issued a rare “subsequent quake advisory,” warning of an increased risk of a larger earthquake in the coming days, as cited by the Japan Times. Officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency said the probability of a magnitude 8 or stronger quake had risen to about 1 percent—ten times higher than usual. Residents were urged to review evacuation plans and remain prepared, especially over the next week.
The earthquake also raised concerns about secondary risks such as landslides, particularly with rain forecast in northern regions. Authorities emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, noting that similar sequences of quakes have occurred in the past within days of a major tremor.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on the public to remain calm but ready to evacuate if necessary, especially in coastal areas. Meanwhile, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces deployed aircraft to monitor affected areas and assist in damage assessment.
According to Reuters report, no abnormalities were reported at nearby nuclear facilities, including Fukushima and Onagawa plants, easing concerns of a repeat of past nuclear crises.
Situated along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Japan remains one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, experiencing frequent tremors. Monday’s event served as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability—and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
Read: Japan Issues Tsunami Alert After Strong Earthquake
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