7.4 Magnitude Quake Triggers Tsunami; Bullet Train Services Halted

Apr 20, 2026 7.4 magnitude earthquake Tsunami observed off Japan coast; bullet train halts operations Jobs & News Desk

A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck Japan off the northeastern coast on Monday. A tsunami alert has been issued after the quake, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The earthquake struck at 4:53 pm local time (0753 GMT) in the Pacific Ocean off northern Iwate Prefecture, at a depth of 10 km. The tremors were powerful enough to sway high-rise buildings as far away as Tokyo, several hundred kilometres from the epicentre.

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The powerful seismic activity further triggered a tsunami observed off the coast, according to Reuters, quoting Japan media NHK.

Following the earthquake, bullet train operations were halted as a precautionary safety measure.

The powerful seismic activity further triggered a tsunami observed off the coast, according to Reuters quoting Japan media NHK.

It had issued a warning for tsunami waves of up to 3 meters (10 feet) height in Iwate prefecture and parts of Hokkaido. Additionally, operations on the Tokyo–Aomori bullet train line were halted following a strong earthquake in Japan, according to Kyodo.

The weather agency warned that the earliest tsunami waves could reach the northern coastline almost immediately. “Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building,” it said, cautioning that damage from tsunami waves was likely.