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Japan warns of potential mega-quake on northern coast after 7.7-magnitude temblor
Tsunami waves hit several coastal areas in northern Japan after a major earthquake on Monday (Apr 20).
The coastline of Tomakomai, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, after a tsunami advisory was issued following an earthquake on Apr 20, 2026, in this photo taken by Kyodo. (Photo: Reuters/Kyodo)
TOKYO: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday (Apr 20), prompting authorities to urge residents to stay away from coastal areas where tsunami waves of up to 3m were expected.
Two hours after the tremor, which struck at 4.52pm local time, tsunami waves as high as 80cm had been detected. Tsunami warnings were in place for several hours for possible bigger waves at the top of Japan's main Honshu island, and the northern Hokkaido region.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
But big aftershocks may follow. The Japan Meteorological Agency also said there is a 1 per cent chance of a mega-quake occurring on the northern Japanese coast in the next week or so.
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