North Korean missile falls into the ocean after prompting emergency alert in Japan

An image from the emergency TV broadcast in Japan. Photo / Twitter

A North Korean missile which prompted an emergency alert in Japan has fallen into the ocean, 50 minutes after it was launched.

Japan was on high alert and urging Hokkaido residents to seek shelter as the missile from North Korea was initially expected to fall in the area.

North Korean missile fell into the ocean at around 8:19 a.m., about 50 minutes after launch

— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) April 12, 2023

As of 11:30AM NZT, there is no more immediate danger to Hokkaido residents.

Japan's NHK TV quoting government as saying the danger to Hokkaido and surrounding areas from the North Korean missile launch is over. pic.twitter.com/K883QYxfTB

— Martyn Williams (@martyn_williams) April 12, 2023

Earlier today, Japan issued a warning to residents to take shelter as a North Korean missile was reportedly headed towards the country.

Japanese authorities urged residents to get inside or underground.

According to online reports, North Korea’s missile was initially expected to fall around the Hokkaido area around 8am local time.

JUST IN: Japan issues warning to residents to take shelter from North Korean missile threat. Get inside or underground.

North Korea’s missile is expected to fall around Hokkaido in a few minutes (around 8am local)

— David Ingles (@DavidInglesTV) April 12, 2023

Some reports state the missile had been flying “for about 45 minutes so far”.

Japan has activated it's J Alert system for a North Korean missile launch. Suspected splashdown near Hokkaido. Image: NHK TV pic.twitter.com/EGCCoYSGmn

— Martyn Williams (@martyn_williams) April 12, 2023

[Emergency alert]
North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.

— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) April 12, 2023

Television stations in Japan broadcasted the alert, urging residents to seek shelter immediately.

Sirens could be heard blasting in the Hokkaido region where the missile was expected to fall.

Sirens blaring in Hokkaido and citizens urged to seek shelter as a missile from North Korea appears poised to fall somewhere on the island. J-Alert issued. No word yet on a confirmed trajectory. https://t.co/ehzW8VGE75

— Unseen Japan (@UnseenJapanSite) April 12, 2023

This is a developing story. More to come.