The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued no tsunami warnings for Taiwan after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan early Monday evening.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan in Iwate prefecture, just before 5 p.m. Monday, April 20. The epicenter of the quake was about 10km deep, about 100km off the coast of Sanriku, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and registered at a 5 out of 7 on Japan’s intensity scale. 

Residents were immediately advised to evacuate to higher ground, with the JMA issuing a tsunami warning for Iwate, Aomori, and southeastern Hokkaido.

Initial 40- and 80-centimeter waves have already been recorded in Iwate, following the earthquake. However, JMA officials forecast that a second, larger wave up to 3 meters could still strike in Hokkaido, Iwate, and Aomori prefectures, where tsunami warnings remain in effect.

Residents have been advised to stay inland until restrictions are lifted and to be cautious of possible landslides. The JWA has also warned that aftershocks of magnitude 7 or more may also be possible in the next week.

While strong earthquakes along the Pacific Rim can often cause disturbances in neighboring countries, Taiwan’s CWA has issued no alerts or warnings.

This is a developing story.