7.4-magnitude earthquake off northern Japan prompts tsunami alert

A powerful offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 struck near Japan’s northern coast on Monday afternoon, prompting a tsunami alert for parts of the region.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. local time off the Sanriku coast, at a depth of about 10 kilometres beneath the seabed. Authorities issued a tsunami alert shortly after the tremor, warning of potentially hazardous sea-level changes along affected coastal areas.

Public broadcaster NHK reported that waves of up to three metres could reach parts of the northeastern coastline. It was not immediately clear whether any damage or injuries had been reported.

Officials urged residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground and follow emergency guidance as a precaution. The situation remains under assessment, and authorities are monitoring wave activity and aftershocks.