A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast on April 20, triggering tsunami alerts, evacuations and renewed fears of something far bigger, a potential megaquake. Initially, tsunami alerts warned of waves as high as three metres, but those fears were later scaled down as actual surges measured around 80 centimetres. The quake, recorded at a depth of 20 kilometres beneath the Pacific Ocean by the Japan Meteorological Agency, registered an upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, strong enough to disrupt movement and damage weaker structures. While there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major destruction, the psychological impact is unmistakable. WATCH

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake sent shockwaves through Hokkaido and Tohoku, plunging Japan into a night of chaos, freezing evacuations and viral footage that captured the raw force of the tremor. Buildings swayed violently, windows exploded, fishtanks toppled and water poured from high-rise floors as terrified residents rushed into the cold streets. At least 33 people have been injured, with cars plunging from elevated spots and multiple structures reporting damage amid ongoing aftershocks. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a megaquake alert, warning of heightened seismic risk along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido down to Chiba. WATCH