Tokyo, April 20: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale has struck off the northeast coast of Japan, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami alert. Residents are advised to stay away from coastal areas due to the potential for waves reaching up to 3 meters.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, tremors were felt at 4:53 PM local time. The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean near the Sanriku coast, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Officials have released a list of areas at risk for tsunami, indicating that the first high waves could impact the provinces of Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido.
In a media briefing, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the formation of an emergency task force and urged residents in affected areas to evacuate to safe locations.
Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that ships were seen leaving Hachinohe Port in Hokkaido due to the tsunami threat, with alerts flashing “Tsunami! Evacuate!” on screens.
Kyodo News Agency noted that bullet train services were halted in Aomori due to the earthquake’s tremors at the northern tip of Japan’s main Honshu Island.
The earthquake was measured at a seismic intensity of ‘5’ on Japan’s scale, making movement difficult for many. Several concrete block walls collapsed in various locations.
Japan experiences more earthquakes than any other region in the world, with at least one tremor occurring every five minutes. The country is situated on the “Ring of Fire.”
According to Japan Today, there are currently no operational nuclear power plants in Hokkaido and Tohoku regions, although several plants owned by Hokkaido Electric Power Company and Tohoku Electric Power Company are offline. Tohoku Electric stated it is assessing the impact of the earthquake and tsunami on its Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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