Trending Now - 7.5-magnitude Quake Near Japan Triggers Tsunami Warning

WHO:

CNN - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, “Residents in areas where tsunami warnings have been issued should immediately evacuate to higher ground or safer locations such as evacuation buildings.”

CNN - Takaichi also mentioned, “At this time, we are still confirming the extent of human and material damage, but we will receive detailed reports shortly and proceed with disaster response efforts.”

CNN - Japan Meteorological Agency issued the tsunami warning.

CNN - US Geological Survey reported the earthquake's magnitude.

CNN - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the public regarding the situation.

WHAT:

NBC News - A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s east coast, prompting sirens and tsunami warnings in the coastal town of Ofunato.

WTNH - The earthquake occurred at around 4:53 p.m. local time on April 20th, 2026, at a depth of about 6 miles below the sea surface.

CNN - The US Tsunami Warning System reported the earthquake's preliminary magnitude as 7.4, which was later revised to 7.5 by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

NBC News - A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s east coast, prompting sirens and tsunami warnings in the coastal town of Ofunato.

WTNH - The earthquake occurred at around 4:53 p.m. local time on April 20th, 2026, at a depth of about 6 miles below the sea surface.

NBC News - A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s east coast, prompting sirens and tsunami warnings in the coastal town of Ofunato.

WTNH - The earthquake occurred at around 4:53 p.m. local time on April 20th, 2026, at a depth of about 6 miles below the sea surface.

CNN - The US Tsunami Warning System reported the earthquake's preliminary magnitude as 7.4, which was later revised to 7.5 by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

CNN - A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan.

CNN - A three-meter (9.8-foot) tsunami warning was issued for the Iwate prefecture and parts of Hokkaido and Aomori.

CNN - An advisory was issued for other areas of northeastern Japan, estimating a tsunami of up to one meter (3.3 feet).

CBS News - The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.5.

WHERE:

WTNH - The quake occurred off the coast of Sanriku in northern Japan.

CNN - The earthquake occurred off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan.

CNN - Tsunami warnings were specifically issued for the Iwate prefecture, Hokkaido, and Aomori.

WHEN:

CNN - The tsunami threat was issued on April 20th, 2026, at 8:52 UTC (4:52 a.m. ET).

CNN - The earthquake was reported to have caused shaking for about seven minutes.

WHY:

BBC News - Japan's meteorological agency warns another, stronger earthquake may hit in the next week.

CNN - The earthquake's cause is not specified, but it prompted immediate evacuation orders.

HOW:

CNN - Authorities are conducting search and rescue operations and providing timely and accurate information to the public as part of their emergency disaster response measures.

CNN - Authorities are implementing emergency disaster response measures, including search and rescue operations and providing timely information to the public.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 17:18 UTC)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's east coast on Monday, prompting sirens and tsunami warnings in the coastal town of Ofunato. The quake occurred at around 4:53 p.m. local time, with a depth of about 6 miles below the sea surface, and initial reports from the US Tsunami Warning System indicated a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, which was later revised to 7.5 by Japan's meteorological agency. In a concerning update, Japan's meteorological agency has warned that another, potentially stronger earthquake may hit within the next week.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 15:20 UTC)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Japan at around 4:53 p.m. local time on Monday, prompting sirens and tsunami warnings in the coastal town of Ofunato. The quake, which occurred at a depth of about 6 miles below the sea surface, was centered off the coast of Sanriku in northern Japan. Japan's meteorological agency has issued a warning that another, potentially stronger earthquake may hit within the next week.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 13:19 UTC)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sanriku in northern Japan on Monday, prompting sirens and tsunami warnings in the coastal town of Ofunato. The quake hit at approximately 4:53 p.m. local time and was recorded at a depth of about 6 miles below the sea surface. Authorities are currently assessing the situation and monitoring for any potential tsunami activity.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 11:19 UTC)

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, later revised to 7.5, has prompted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to urge residents in affected areas to evacuate to higher ground or safer locations. Takaichi also confirmed that authorities are still assessing the extent of human and material damage, with detailed reports expected soon as they ramp up disaster response efforts. In the meantime, search and rescue operations are underway, and officials are working to provide timely and accurate information to the public.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 09:32 UTC)

A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami warning for the Iwate prefecture and parts of Hokkaido and Aomori. The tsunami warning, which estimates a wave height of up to three meters, was announced on Monday, at 8:52 UTC, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the public regarding the situation. Authorities are now implementing emergency disaster response measures, including search and rescue operations, as well as providing timely information to the public.