While the world is still reeling from the recent Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, Japan has released a new alert on a potential disaster. According to a government report, a devastating earthquake would hit the nation, killing more than 300,000 people immediately. This may also cause a tsunami, resulting in destruction in numerous countries.

On Monday, the Japanese government published information regarding this potential megaquake. The report states that the nation's Pacific coast is at risk for a strong earthquake, which could trigger a gigantic tsunami. Many structures may collapse, putting thousands of individuals in danger.

Japan had already warned the year before that there might be a massive earthquake. The scientists estimated that after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake close to a deep-sea trench, an even more powerful 9.0 magnitude earthquake is likely to occur.

In case this occurs, it is likely to bring damage that is valued in trillions of dollars, eradicating nearly half of the economy of Japan. Therefore, the government has been seriously preparing to deal with such a calamity.

According to the report, if a magnitude 9 earthquake strikes, approximately 1.3 million individuals would be forced to evacuate their homes for safety. This is approximately 10% of Japan's population.

If the earthquake strikes at night time during the winter months, approximately 298,000 individuals would die as a result of the tsunami and falling buildings.

Why is Japan at risk?

Japan sits in one of the seismically most active regions of the globe. There is an 80% possibility of an 8 or 9 magnitude earthquake occurring in the region, scientists believe.

The threat is from a deep trench off Japan's southwest Pacific coast, which extends approximately 900 km (600 miles). In this region, the Philippine Sea plate is being pushed beneath the Eurasian plate at a slow rate, thus accumulating stress. Release of this stress can lead to a massive earthquake. Experts indicate that such a megaquake occurs every 100 to 150 years.

The 2011 earthquake

Japan has already felt the effects of a megaquake. In 2011, a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the nation, which resulted in a tsunami that caused a nuclear meltdown. Over 15,000 individuals were killed in the disaster.

With this latest warning, Japan is preparing itself to be more prepared and safeguard its citizens from another potential disaster.

 

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