Today's Top 3 News: Tsunami Threat Eases After Powerful 7.7 Earthquake in Japan
Reporter
April 21, 2026 | 06:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Here are the highlights: Tsunami Threat Eases After Powerful 7.7 Earthquake in Japan; Navy Confirms US Warship in Malacca Strait Amid Iran Tensions; and Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus to Take Over.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Tsunami Threat Eases After Powerful 7.7 Earthquake in Japan
A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday afternoon, triggering tsunami warnings and widespread precautionary measures across the region. The tremor, which hit at a depth of around 20 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean near Iwate, caused strong shaking that made it difficult for people to stand in some areas and was felt as far as Tokyo.
Authorities initially warned of tsunami waves reaching up to three meters, prompting evacuation orders for nearly 172,000 residents across coastal areas from Hokkaido to Chiba. Within two hours, waves of up to 80 centimeters were recorded at several ports, including Kuji and Miyako in Iwate Prefecture. The warning was later downgraded to an advisory as the immediate threat eased, as reported by Reuters.
Several towns with memories of the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, such as Otsuchi and Kamaishi, swiftly ordered evacuations. Public broadcasts repeatedly urged residents to move to higher ground, reinforcing lessons from past disasters. Despite the intensity of the quake, there were no reports of major casualties, although minor injuries and limited structural damage—including to schools and restaurants—were recorded.
2. Navy Confirms US Warship in Malacca Strait Amid Iran Tensions
The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has confirmed the presence of a US warship in the Malacca Strait, stating that the vessel is exercising its right of transit passage in accordance with international law.
Tunggul noted that the Malacca Strait is a primary waterway for international navigation. He remarked, "The transit passage refers to continuous, expeditious passage through the territorial sea or strait from one part of the high seas or an exclusive economic zone to another."
3. Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus to Take Over
Apple announced on Monday that after more than a decade as chief executive, Tim Cook will step down in September.
Cook will hand leadership to company veteran John Ternus, currently Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, marking Apple's first CEO transition since the death of founder Steve Jobs.
"Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor," Ternus said.
"It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another," he added.
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