7.1 magnitude earthquake in Japan quake shakes the country, Fear of tsunami
Tsunami waves of up to 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) were detected along parts of Kyushu’s southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku.
On Thursday, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s southern coast, causing a tsunami advisory and prompting urgent warnings for residents to stay away from the coastline. This Earthquake in Japan, originating from the waters off the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, has generated widespread concern, although there have been no reports of severe damage. The quake, felt strongly in Nichinan city and nearby areas in Miyazaki prefecture, has put Japan on high alert as authorities and residents brace for potential aftershocks and future seismic activity.
Details of the Earthquake in Japan
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the earthquake in Japan occurred at a depth of approximately 30 kilometres (18.6 miles). The epicentre was located in the waters off the eastern coast of Kyushu, with the strongest shaking experienced in Nichinan city and surrounding areas in Miyazaki prefecture. Within half an hour of the quake, tsunami waves reaching up to 50 centimetres (1.6 feet) were detected along parts of Kyushu’s southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku. This prompted the JMA to issue a tsunami advisory, which was later lifted for most coastlines except those along Miyazaki prefecture.
Seismologists at the JMA convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the impact of the earthquake in Japan on the nearby Nankai Trough, a region historically associated with devastating earthquakes. Their analysis indicated an increased likelihood of future seismic activity along the 500-kilometer (310-mile) stretch of the Nankai Trough, extending from Kyushu to central Japan. Although the timing and exact location of any potential future quake remain unpredictable, residents in this area are advised to review their earthquake preparedness plans.
University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata highlighted that while there is no immediate danger of a major quake, the recent earthquake in Japan elevates the probability of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake originating from the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. This potential for future seismic activity underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness for residents in the affected regions.
Impact and Injuries from the Earthquake in Japan
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that nine people sustained minor injuries due to falling or being struck by objects during the earthquake in Japan. The injuries were primarily observed in Miyazaki and neighboring Kagoshima prefectures. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has urged residents in affected areas to avoid coastal zones while officials continue to assess potential injuries and damage. JMA Seismology Department official Shigeki Aoki has also warned of the possibility of strong aftershocks over the coming week, adding to the ongoing concerns of residents.
At Miyazaki airport, located near the quake’s epicenter, windows were shattered, and the runway was temporarily closed for safety inspections. In Osaki, Kagoshima prefecture, concrete walls collapsed, and a wooden house sustained damage; however, no injuries were reported from these incidents. Despite the earthquake’s impact, all 12 nuclear reactors on Kyushu and Shikoku, including the three currently operational, were reported to be safe by the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
Japan, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is particularly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location along major seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean. The earthquake in Japan serves as a stark reminder of the country’s susceptibility to such natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of potential future quakes.
As the authorities and residents of Japan deal with the aftermath of this powerful earthquake, the focus remains on ensuring safety, assessing damage, and preparing for any possible aftershocks or future seismic events. The recent earthquake in Japan has highlighted the ongoing risks associated with living in a seismically active region and the critical need for effective disaster management and preparedness strategies.
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