Japan plans to lift its week-old “megaquake” alert later today, provided no significant seismic activity occurs, according to Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura. The warning led thousands of citizens to cancel holidays and stock up on essentials, resulting in empty shelves in some stores. Matsumura stated that if no changes in seismic activity or crustal deformation are observed, the special alert will end at 17:00. However, he cautioned the possibility of a major earthquake remains and urged people to maintain their preparedness.
Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone nations on earth, issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” last week after a powerful quake struck off the southeastern coast of the southern main island of Kyushu. https://t.co/Hdq5uF1rrs
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The megaquake alert was issued last Thursday by Japan’s weather agency after a magnitude 7.1 quake injured 14 individuals. This type of quake, known as a subduction megathrust, has historically occurred in pairs and can trigger massive tsunamis. The advisory focused on the Nankai Trough subduction zone in the Pacific Ocean, a region that has experienced significant quakes in the past. The 800-kilometre trough stretches from Shizuoka near Tokyo to Kyushu island’s southern tip.
In 1707, the Nankai Trough experienced a rupture along its entire length, causing Japan’s second-most powerful recorded earthquake and leading to the last eruption of Mount Fuji. Subsequent powerful quakes occurred in 1854, and then in pairs in 1944 and 1946. The government estimates a 70 percent chance of another magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. Such an event could result in up to 300,000 fatalities, devastate infrastructure, and cause an estimated $13 trillion of damage.
This recent alert was the first issued under new guidelines implemented after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that left around 18,500 people dead or missing. The 2011 tsunami led to a meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant, marking Japan’s worst post-war disaster and the most serious nuclear incident since Chernobyl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When will Japan lift its megaquake warning?
Japan will lift the warning later today provided no major activity is observed.
Why did people in Japan stock up on essentials recently?
The megaquake warning prompted people to cancel holidays and stock up on supplies.
What kind of earthquake was the recent 7.1 magnitude quake in Japan?
It was a subduction megathrust quake, known for potentially unleashing colossal tsunamis.
Where is the Nankai Trough located?
The Nankai Trough runs from Shizuoka to the southern tip of Kyushu island along the Pacific coast.
What is the probability of a megaquake hitting the Nankai Trough in the next 30 years?
There is roughly a 70% probability of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake occurring within the next 30 years.