Tsunami warnings lifted after 7.7-magnitude quake off northern Japan

TOKYO - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck off north-eastern Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings in several coastal areas that were later lifted.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake occurred at 4:53 pm (0753 GMT) off the Sanriku coast at a depth of around 10 kilometres.

The magnitude was earlier reported as 7.5 before being upgraded.

Tsunami warnings - the second-highest alert level - were issued for Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido, Aomori Prefecture and Iwate Prefecture, with waves of up to 3 metres feared. The warnings were lifted later in the evening, although residents were urged to remain cautious, broadcaster NHK reported.

Authorities in five prefectures issued evacuation orders for around 170,000 people.

Waves of up to 80 centimetres were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate, with smaller waves observed elsewhere.No irregularities were detected at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant or at nuclear facilities in Miyagi Prefecture and Aomori, according to Kyodo News, citing operators.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain ready to evacuate in the coming days, warning of the risk of further strong quakes. NHK reported that 182 municipalities in seven prefectures were urged to implement disaster preparedness measures.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or serious injuries.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 9:37 AM.