Powerful 7.4-magnitude quake jolts northern Japan, tsunami warnings issued

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck northern Japan on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings across coastal regions, as per reports.

According to local media, officials reportedly warned that tsunami waves of up to three metres could reach parts of Iwate Prefecture and Hokkaido, urging residents to move to higher ground.

In an advisory, authorities alleged tsunami waves were already approaching coastal areas and could strike repeatedly, stressing that evacuation should be carried out without delay. Residents were asked to remain in safe locations until all warnings are lifted.

Officials also cautioned that wave heights could exceed forecasts and arrival times may vary, advising people to stay away from coastlines and river mouths that may overflow.

Emergency services have been placed on alert as authorities assess the extent of damage and monitor the situation.

Japan, located along the seismically active Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position atop multiple tectonic plates. The country records around 1,500 tremors annually, accounting for a significant share of global seismic activity.

While most earthquakes are minor, their impact varies depending on depth and proximity to populated areas.

In 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake triggered a massive tsunami, leaving around 18,500 people dead or missing and causing a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant.