Massive magnitude 7.4 earthquake rattles Miyako, Japan, triggering Tsunami Warning, ongoing evacuations
According to the USGS, Japan records more earthquakes than any other country due to its location on the active Pacific Ring of Fire — the massive, 25,000-mile ring of volcanoes and tectonic plate boundaries where 90 percent of the world's earthquakes occur.
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While you may think quakes are a western US problem, some of the largest temblors in US history have happened in the East.
MIYAKO, Japan — A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan just before 5 p.m. local time on Monday, according to the USGS. Japan's government has issued Tsunami Warnings for prefectures along the east coast of Japan's main island, Honshu.
(FOX Weather)
Tsunami Warnings are also in effect for the northern island of Hokkaido. People within these warnings are being told to evacuate to higher ground.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said tsunami wave heights of approximately 9.8 feet are expected shortly for Iwate Prefecture and Hokkaido.
(FOX Weather)
There's no tsunami threat for Hawaii or Guam, according to NOAA's U.S. Tsunami Warning System.
HNL Alert: 10:50 PM 04-19-2026 - The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports No Tsunami Threat to Hawaii from 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Japan - Off the East Coast of Honshu.
— Oahu Emergency Mgmt. (@Oahu_DEM) April 20, 2026
More info at https://t.co/LqdWFAOPdc https://t.co/ciLvQC267T pic.twitter.com/oTrj1VVuuP
The quake was centered 62 miles east-northeast of Miyako, some 6 miles below the surface.
The JMA warned that earthquakes of similar magnitude could follow in the next 2-3 days.
According to the USGS, Japan records more earthquakes than any other country due to its location on the active Pacific Ring of Fire — the massive, 25,000-mile ring of volcanoes and tectonic plate boundaries where 90 percent of the world's earthquakes occur.
Check back for updates on this developing story.