7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes off northeastern Japan, tsunami warning issued

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast near Iwate at 4:53 p.m. JST on April 20, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, triggering a tsunami warning. JMA warned tsunami waves could reach up to three meters and ordered evacuations along Hokkaido and Tohoku coastlines. Local authorities closed ports and told residents to move to higher ground while officials monitor sea-level readings and aftershocks to determine whether to lift warnings.