Key Points:
- Historic Warning Issued: Japan issued its first-ever warning for a potential “megaquake” after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on Thursday.
- Location and Timing: The earthquake occurred near the island of Kyushu at 4:42 p.m. local time, with its epicenter in the Hyuganada Sea at a depth of 18 miles.
- Tsunami Advisory: A tsunami advisory was issued for parts of Kyushu and Shikoku, but the waves observed were relatively small, reaching up to 1.6 feet.
- Minor Damage and Injuries: While the earthquake caused some landslides and minor damage, only three people were reported injured.
- Nankai Trough Concerns: The epicenter’s proximity to the Nankai Trough, a known seismic hot spot, raised concerns about a potential larger earthquake.
- Megaquake Risk: The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a caution that the risk of a major earthquake is higher than usual, urging residents to stay vigilant for the next week.
- Safety Measures: Despite the increased risk, authorities confirmed that the 12 nuclear reactors in the affected regions remain safe. Residents were advised to continue with daily life while remaining cautious and prepared for potential evacuations.
Introduction:
Japan has issued an unprecedented warning about the possibility of a “megaquake” following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake off the southern coast near Miyazaki Prefecture. This marks the first time the Japan Meteorological Agency has cautioned the public about an increased risk of a significant seismic event along the Nankai Trough, a region known for producing massive earthquakes. Although the recent quake caused minor injuries and damage, the heightened alert has prompted authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for the next week.
Japan issued its first-ever warning about the possibility of a “megaquake” on Thursday after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off its southern coast. The quake occurred near Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu at 4:42 p.m. local time (3:42 a.m. ET) at a depth of about 18 miles.
Although the earthquake prompted a tsunami advisory and minor damage was reported, there were no serious injuries or major infrastructure problems. Three people were injured, including two elderly women who fell and a factory worker hit by a falling object. Some landslides and traffic light outages were also reported, and tsunami waves of up to 1.6 feet were detected along parts of Kyushu’s coast.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a “mega earthquake caution,” warning that the risk of a large quake is higher than usual, though not certain. The agency advised residents to stay alert for the next week, check their earthquake preparedness, and be ready to evacuate if needed.
Despite the heightened risk, the 12 nuclear reactors in the affected regions remain safe, according to the Nuclear Regulation Authority. Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, sitting on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Japan has issued a warning about an increased risk of a major earthquake, marking the first time such an advisory has been given. The warning came on Thursday night, local time, after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern island of Kyushu. Although no major damage was reported, experts became concerned because the quake’s epicenter was near the Nankai Trough, a seismically active area along Japan’s Pacific coast.
The Nankai Trough is known for producing massive earthquakes, which have historically occurred every 90 to 200 years. The last one happened in 1946, and experts estimate there’s a 70% to 80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake striking along the trough within the next 30 years. In the worst-case scenario, such a quake and a possible tsunami could result in over 200,000 deaths.
Despite the increased risk, Japanese authorities emphasized that a large earthquake is not guaranteed to happen soon. The current advisory, the lower of two types of alerts, will remain in place for a week. Residents are advised to stay alert, check evacuation routes, and ensure they have enough supplies, but officials stress that people should continue with their daily lives while being cautious.
On Thursday, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan, prompting a tsunami advisory for parts of Kyushu and Shikoku. This earthquake also led the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue its first-ever alert for a possible “megaquake” along the Nankai Trough, a seismically active area off Japan’s east coast.
The earthquake occurred at 4:43 p.m. local time at a depth of 30 kilometers, with its epicenter in the Hyuganada Sea. It registered a lower 6 on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale. Nine people were reported injured in Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, with seven sustaining minor injuries.
A small landslide was reported in Kagoshima Prefecture, and the Meteorological Agency warned that the risk of further earthquakes and landslides remains high over the next week, especially in the next two to three days.
Tsunami waves were recorded, with a 50-centimeter wave hitting Miyazaki Port, but all tsunami advisories were lifted by 10 p.m.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged residents to stay informed and be ready to evacuate if necessary. The government set up a task force to manage the situation.
There was no reported impact on nuclear plants in the region. However, several domestic flights were canceled, and train services across Kyushu were disrupted, though some resumed later in the evening.
The Meteorological Agency’s alert for a potential large earthquake in the Nankai Trough area is a first, and they believe the risk of such a quake is higher than usual. Kishida urged the public to stay prepared and avoid spreading misinformation. He also mentioned that his scheduled travel plans may be adjusted depending on further developments.
Conclusion:
Japan’s unprecedented warning about the possibility of a “megaquake” following the 7.1-magnitude earthquake near Miyazaki Prefecture underscores the ongoing seismic risks in the region. While the immediate damage from the quake was minimal, the heightened alert for a potential larger earthquake along the Nankai Trough serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to powerful seismic events. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, prepared, and informed as they navigate the days ahead, emphasizing the importance of readiness in the face of unpredictable natural forces.