7.1-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Japan—Experts Warn of Bigger Disaster Ahead

Yesterday, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a “major earthquake warning.”

According to an NHK report, at 7:15 PM on the 8th, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a “Nankai(南海) Trough Earthquake Temporary Information” (a major earthquake warning). The agency predicted that the likelihood of a large earthquake occurring in the epicenter region has significantly increased compared to normal.

They also urged the central government and local authorities to take disaster prevention measures.

This is the first time a Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information has been issued since the system was introduced in 2019.

The Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information is issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency when they determine that the likelihood of a major earthquake occurring has increased compared to normal conditions.

The Nankai Trough Earthquake refers to a massive earthquake along the plate boundary stretching from Shizuoka Prefecture to the offshore area of Miyazaki Prefecture. These earthquakes have historically caused significant damage.

Large earthquakes have historically occurred in this region at intervals of 100 to 150 years. In some instances, after one earthquake has struck, another major earthquake has followed within a time frame ranging from 32 hours to up to 2 years.

In a press conference, the Japan Meteorological Agency advised heightened caution over the next week, stating that past data indicates an increased possibility of a major earthquake occurring during this period.

According to historical statistics, after an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 or higher, there is a probability of around 1 in several hundred that an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher will occur in the adjacent area within a week. This probability is several times higher than usual.

If a major Nankai Trough earthquake occurs, strong shaking is expected across a wide area from Kanto to Kyushu, and high tsunamis are anticipated along the Pacific coast from Kanto to Okinawa.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged people to review their earthquake preparedness and be ready to evacuate immediately if an earthquake occurs.