Big Earthquake in Japan

May 15, 2026, 16:38
JapanInternational

Introduction

A big earthquake hit northern Japan on Friday. It caused problems for trains and planes.

Main Body

The earthquake happened in the sea near Miyagi. It was very strong. The government sent warnings to five areas. There was no big wave in the sea. Trains between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stopped. Many planes were late at Sendai airport. But no people died and no buildings fell. The UK government told travelers to be careful. Japan has many earthquakes. Travelers must follow the local rules. They cannot get money back for trips now.

Conclusion

Everyone is safe. Trains and planes are starting to work again.

Learning

⚡ The 'Action' Past

When we talk about things that already happened, we often add -ed to the word. Look at how the story changes the words:

  • Stop →\rightarrow Stopped
  • Happen →\rightarrow Happened
  • Cause →\rightarrow Caused

🚫 Saying 'No' in the Past

To say something did not happen, we use no + noun. It is a very simple way to give bad news or good news without using complex grammar:

  • "No big wave"
  • "No people died"
  • "No buildings fell"

✈️ Useful Travel Words

WordMeaning
TravelersPeople on a trip
LateNot on time
WarningsDanger messages
SafeNo danger

Vocabulary Learning

earthquake (n.)
When the ground shakes suddenly
Example:The earthquake made the windows shake.
caused (v.)
Made something happen
Example:The rain caused a big flood in the street.
government (n.)
The group of people who lead a country
Example:The government makes new laws for the city.
warnings (n.)
Messages that tell people about a danger
Example:The weather report gave warnings about the storm.
travelers (n.)
People who go to different places
Example:Many travelers visit Japan in the spring.