7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Japan; no danger to Maldives

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 in magnitude struck approximately 7,955 kilometers from Malé on Monday. 

According to Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office), the earthquake occurred on Honshu Island, Japan’s most populous island. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, Honshu is the seventh-largest island in the world.

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— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) April 20, 2026

The epicenter of the quake was recorded at a distance of 7,955 kilometers from the Maldivian capital. The Met Office stated that the seismic event took place at approximately 12:52 p.m. Maldives time.

Authorities have confirmed that the earthquake poses no direct threat to the Maldives.

Following the strong tremors, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for affected areas in Japan.

Earlier this month, a separate earthquake measuring 5.3 in magnitude was recorded approximately 2,553 kilometers from Addu City, the southernmost point of the Maldives.