Japan has lifted its warning about a potential “megaquake”, one week after it was issued, bringing relief to thousands of people who had been on edge. The warning, which had urged people to be alert but not evacuate, was issued in response to heightened seismic activity in the Nankai Trough region.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that as of Wednesday, there had been no concerning changes in seismic activity in the area where the megaquake could originate. This led the government to announce that people could return to their normal routines and no longer needed to take special precautions.
Disaster management minister Yoshifumi Matsumura emphasized that while the warning had been lifted, the risk of a major earthquake still remains. He stated, “It doesn’t mean the risk has been eliminated. We have been asking for special precautions, but we will no longer ask for these steps, and the people of Japan are free to go back to normal lifestyles.”
Last week’s warning came shortly after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern island of Kyushu, putting experts on high alert due to the earthquake’s proximity to the Nankai Trough. This area is known for its seismic activity and has been the source of devastating earthquakes in the past.
The potential for a magnitude 8 or 9 quake along the Nankai Trough in the next 30 years is estimated to be between 70% to 80%, with worst-case scenarios predicting over 200,000 casualties. This sobering reality has prompted many Japanese people to take the warning seriously and make preparations for the possibility of a major earthquake.
While the immediate threat may have subsided for now, the importance of being prepared for natural disasters remains a top priority for the people of Japan.
