7.4–7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Fukushima Plant Evacuation Precautions

A magnitude 7.4–7.7 earthquake struck off Japan's northeast coast on April 20, 2026, triggering tsunami warnings and the precautionary evacuation of workers at both Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini to higher ground. Over 180,000 people in coastal areas were ordered to evacuate as tsunami waves up to several meters were forecast. TEPCO confirmed no abnormalities were detected at either plant, and operations resumed after the all-clear was issued. The event highlighted ongoing seismic risks to the Daiichi decommissioning site, where ALPS water treatment and spent fuel management continue. No tsunami-related damage to plant infrastructure was reported.