Japan Issues Warning of Increased Risk of Major Earthquake
In a rare move, Japan has issued a warning about an increased risk of a “major earthquake” striking in the near future. The advisory, issued on Thursday night local time, urged people to be alert but not to evacuate, emphasizing that the warning did not mean a large earthquake was imminent, but that the probability was higher than usual.
The warning came shortly after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit off the southern island of Kyushu, causing no major damage. However, experts were put on high alert due to the earthquake’s epicenter sitting at the edge of the Nankai Trough, an area of seismic activity along Japan’s Pacific coast.
The Nankai Trough has a history of devastating earthquakes, with megaquakes occurring once every 90 to 200 years. The last major earthquake in the region took place in 1946. Experts estimate a 70% to 80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake hitting somewhere along the trough in the next 30 years, potentially resulting in over 200,000 casualties.
While officials stress that there is a higher chance of another major earthquake compared to normal times, they are not predicting a specific timeframe for when it may occur. The current advisory, the lower of two types of alerts available, will be in place for a week, urging residents to be on higher alert and consider voluntary evacuation if necessary.
Officials have advised people to be cautious but continue with their daily activities, while ensuring they have enough supplies and checking evacuation routes. The warning serves as a reminder of Japan’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of being prepared for potential disasters.
