An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 occurred off the coast of Japan. What is known

In Japan, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of up to 7.5 occurred, causing tsunami waves and mass evacuation of the population in the north of the country. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The consequences of the tremors

An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 was recorded on April 20 in the northern regions of the country. In Aomori and Iwate prefectures, the authorities announced an emergency evacuation, which affected at least 20 thousand people. The Meteorological Department initially estimated the force of the tremors at 7.4 points, but later raised the figure to 7.5 points.

The first tsunami waves have already reached the coast. A tidal wave height of 80 cm was recorded in the port of Kuji in Iwate Prefecture. Experts warned that subsequent waves could be significantly higher, reaching peak values of up to 3 m, and urged residents not to approach the water.

To coordinate actions and collect information about the destruction, the Japanese Government has set up an operational headquarters at the crisis center. The agencies stressed the seriousness of the situation for coastal areas.

"Tsunami warnings are currently in effect for the coastal areas of Japan," the meteorological department's website says.

The state of atomic facilities

The Tokyo Electric Power energy company conducted an emergency inspection of nuclear power plants located in the zone of seismic activity. No emergencies or damage were detected at the Fukushima-1 and Fukushima-2 facilities in Fukushima Prefecture. According to the operator, both stations are safe.

Specialists continue to monitor the situation to identify possible hidden anomalies at energy facilities. Similar inspections are being carried out at the Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture after the tremors recorded there.

Earlier, on April 18, seismologists recorded another 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan with an epicenter in the Nagano area. Then the tremors occurred at a depth of 10 km. According to experts, the incident did not lead to damage or the threat of a tsunami.