An earthquake of 7.4 magnitude was felt in the northern part of Japan on Monday (April 20, 2026). According to national broadcaster NHK, after the earthquake, a tsunami warning was immediately issued for the coastal areas. Officials said that sea waves could reach up to 3 meters high in Iwate Prefecture and parts of Hokkaido. People have been asked to immediately move to safe and higher places.

The government and emergency services are on full alert mode, the situation is being constantly monitored. The administration is also trying to understand how much damage can be caused by earthquake and tsunami. It has also been said in the issued warning that tsunami waves have started reaching the coast and they may come not once but many times. It has been said in the advisory that people should move away from there without wasting time.

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Special warning regarding waves

Officials also said that the waves may come before or after the scheduled time and their height may also be higher than expected. Especially people living near sea coasts and rivers have been advised to stay away from there, because the water level may rise suddenly. Due to this, flood like situation may arise in the areas.

Why do earthquakes occur in Japan?

The biggest reason for earthquakes in Japan is its geographical location. Japan is situated in a place where there are many big layers of the earth, which are called tectonic plates. These plates include the Pacific Plate, Philippine Sea Plate, Eurasian Plate and North American Plate. All these plates always keep moving slowly. When the pressure increases between them and suddenly this pressure is released, then vibration is created, due to which earthquake tremors are felt. Japan also falls in an area called the Ring of Fire. This is the world’s most active earthquake and volcanic region. Almost 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur in this area, so earthquakes are considered common here.