A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck off southern Japan on Thursday, prompting concerns of possible major quakes to follow. The quake injured nine people on the island of Kyushu, but there was no serious damage reported, and tsunami advisories were lifted. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cancelled a trip to central Asia due to fears of a potential “megaquake” in the future.
Seismologists raised the level of risk of major quakes associated with the Nankai Trough following the earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency detected tsunami waves of up to 50 centimetres along the southern coast of Kyushu and the nearby island of Shikoku.
Despite the increased risk, experts cannot predict the exact timing or location of potential future quakes. However, they advise residents along the coast to review their preparedness and stay cautious in the coming week. Kishida emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and urged residents to follow official information and avoid spreading misinformation.
Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, being situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The country has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. With a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake stemming from the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared for potential future seismic activity.
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