7.5-magnitude quake off Japan triggers tsunami warning

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off northeastern Japan and authorities issued a tsunami warning for parts of Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido; the government set up an emergency task force and urged evacuations.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck off Japan's northeastern coast on April 20, and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for parts of northern Japan. The agency reported the epicentre in the Pacific Ocean at about 10 km depth. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had set up an emergency task force and urged residents in affected coastal areas to evacuate. Some transport services were halted and utilities were checking facilities as authorities assessed the situation. Key facts: - A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off northeastern Japan on April 20, with an epicentre reported about 10 km deep in the Pacific Ocean. - A tsunami warning was issued, with waves of up to 3 metres expected in Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures. - The government established an emergency task force and officials urged evacuations in affected coastal areas, according to the prime minister. - Local disruptions and checks were reported, including halted bullet train services in Aomori and Tohoku Electric checking the Onagawa nuclear plant. Summary: Officials reported that emergency response measures are in place and impact assessments are underway. Current status includes service suspensions and facility checks. Undetermined at this time.