Tsunami warning issued in Japan after powerful offshore earthquake

A tsunami warning has been issued in Japan following a powerful earthquake off the country’s northern coast, with authorities warning of waves of up to three metres along parts of the shoreline.

According to Japan Meteorological Agency and public broadcaster NHK, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at 4:53 p.m. local time on April 20. The epicentre was located off northern Japan, Caliber.Az reports per NHK. 

A state of maximum alert has been declared in Iwate Prefecture and central Hokkaido. Authorities warned that the first powerful waves in Iwate were “inevitable”, while in Hokkaido they were expected around 12:30 p.m. GMT+4.

Officials have urged residents in coastal and river areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground or designated shelters, warning of potential destruction. They also cautioned that multiple waves may occur and stressed that people should not return to affected areas until the warning is officially lifted.

NHK interrupted regular programming to broadcast emergency updates, while reports indicated that tremors were felt as far as Tokyo, several hundred kilometres from the epicentre, causing high-rise buildings to sway.

By Sabina Mammadli