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Major Quake Off Northeast Japan Triggers Tsunami Warnings, Evacuations

Authorities urge people in at-risk coastal areas to stay on high ground until tsunami alerts end.

Overview

  • Japan’s meteorological agency said a magnitude 7.4–7.5 earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast on Monday afternoon at about 10 kilometers deep, with shaking rated “upper 5” and felt in Tokyo.
  • The agency issued tsunami warnings and advisories for Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido, forecasting waves up to 3 meters and telling residents to evacuate coastal and riverside areas at once.
  • Tsunami waves were recorded in Iwate, including about 80 centimeters at Kuji port and 40 centimeters at Miyako, and officials warned that surges can arrive in multiple waves.
  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi launched an emergency task force as bullet train service between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori was halted and utilities inspected nuclear sites including Fukushima, Onagawa and Higashidori.
  • The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center said no tsunami threat is expected for California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska or British Columbia.