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After tsunami warning, Japan on high alert for 'huge' earthquake
21 Apr 2026

Japan is on high alert for a potential "huge" earthquake within the next week, following a 7.7 magnitude quake off its northeast coast.

The tremor, which struck at 16:52 local time (08:52 BST), was centered in waters off Iwate prefecture, about 530km north of Tokyo.

It triggered an evacuation order and warnings of possible tsunami waves reaching up to three meters (10 feet).

Aftershocks expected in coming week
Post-quake scenario

The largest tsunami waves recorded were 80cm high. However, tsunami warnings and advisories were lifted hours after the quake.

Japan's meteorological agency has warned that stronger aftershocks could occur in the coming week, with a "relatively higher than during normal times" risk of quakes.

The agency cautioned that these could produce bigger waves than those seen on Monday.

More than 170,000 people ordered to evacuate
Aftermath impact

In the wake of Monday's quake, more than 170,000 people were ordered to evacuate from coastal and riverside areas across several prefectures in Japan.

The evacuation order was the second-highest alert level on a three-tier system.

Tsunami waves were expected to hit repeatedly, prompting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to urge citizens to seek higher ground.

Bullet train services were disrupted, and around 100 homes lost power due to the tremor.

Japan is no stranger to seismic activity
Historical context

Japan is no stranger to seismic activity, recording around 1,500 quakes annually. It accounts for 10% of global earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher.

The country's worst disaster was in March 2011 when a 9.0-magnitude quake off Iwate province triggered a tsunami and nuclear meltdown at Fukushima.

Since then, Japan has been proactive in issuing warnings for possible tsunamis and evacuations after major quakes.