Following the Sanriku offshore earthquake, telecom companies launch disaster message services; the Japan Meteorological Agency urges continued evacuation

A magnitude 5 strong earthquake struck off Sanriku on the afternoon of April 20, prompting NTT East/West and major carriers to activate disaster message services.

NTT East/West launched Disaster Message Dial 171 and web171, while mobile carriers enabled disaster message boards for safety checks.

With tsunami warnings and advisories in effect, the Japan Meteorological Agency urged people to keep evacuating and stay alert.