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Japan has taken an unprecedented step in earthquake preparedness by issuing its first-ever “megaquake advisory” following a significant magnitude 7.1 earthquake off the southeastern coast of Kyushu on August 8. The advisory highlights heightened concerns about a potentially catastrophic quake in the Nankai Trough region, a major seismic zone known for its powerful earthquakes and tsunamis.This development has prompted both the government and the public to brace for the possibility of even more severe seismic activity in the near future.
Q: What prompted Japan to issue its first-ever “megaquake advisory”?
Japan issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of Kyushu on August 8. While there were no fatalities or severe damage from this quake, the advisory was issued due to concerns about the potential for a more catastrophic earthquake in the Nankai Trough region.
Q: What does the advisory mean?
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released the advisory after determining that the August 8 quake increased the likelihood of a stronger quake in the future. The JMA estimates a 70-80 per cent chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough over the next 30 years. This is not a specific prediction but a general warning to remain prepared and vigilant.
Q: What is the Nankai Trough, and why is it significant?
The Nankai Trough is a major underwater trench running about 800 kilometres from Kyushu to central Japan. It is known for generating powerful earthquakes and tsunamis due to the collision between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The last major earthquake in this area occurred in 1946, with a magnitude of 8.0, resulting in over 1,300 deaths.
Q: How severe could a megaquake in the Nankai Trough be?
A 2013 government report estimated that a magnitude 9.1 earthquake in the Nankai Trough could produce a tsunami over 10 meters high, potentially killing up to 323,000 people and causing over 220 trillion yen ($1.5 trillion) in damage.
Q: What actions has the Japanese government taken in response to the advisory?
In response to the advisory, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cancelled his planned trip to Central Asia to focus on the government’s response. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has instructed 707 municipalities in at-risk areas to review their evacuation plans and response strategies.
Q: What are experts advising the public to do?
The JMA is urging people to stock up on emergency supplies and to discuss evacuation plans with their families. Despite the advisory, JMA experts reassured the public on Monday that no abnormal seismic activity indicating an imminent megaquake had been detected.
Q: How has the public reacted to the advisory?
The advisory has caused widespread confusion and concern. Some towns have closed beaches and canceled events, disrupting travel plans during Japan’s Obon holiday week. Supermarkets, especially in western Japan and Tokyo, have faced shortages of essential items. For instance, Yoshiko Kudo and her husband Shinya are struggling to gauge the level of concern they should have, while Yoneko Oshima in Tokyo is particularly worried about ensuring she has the necessary supplies for her diabetic husband.
Q: What measures are being taken by local businesses and services?
In Matsuyama City on Shikoku Island, hotels and resorts are reassessing their emergency procedures and equipment, leading to hundreds of cancellations. Rail companies have slowed down trains as a precaution. In Kuroshio town, shelters were initially set up but later reduced after the JMA reassured residents about the situation.
Q: What prompted Japan to issue its first-ever “megaquake advisory”?
Japan issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of Kyushu on August 8. While there were no fatalities or severe damage from this quake, the advisory was issued due to concerns about the potential for a more catastrophic earthquake in the Nankai Trough region.
Q: What does the advisory mean?
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released the advisory after determining that the August 8 quake increased the likelihood of a stronger quake in the future. The JMA estimates a 70-80 per cent chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough over the next 30 years. This is not a specific prediction but a general warning to remain prepared and vigilant.
Q: What is the Nankai Trough, and why is it significant?
The Nankai Trough is a major underwater trench running about 800 kilometres from Kyushu to central Japan. It is known for generating powerful earthquakes and tsunamis due to the collision between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The last major earthquake in this area occurred in 1946, with a magnitude of 8.0, resulting in over 1,300 deaths.
Q: How severe could a megaquake in the Nankai Trough be?
A 2013 government report estimated that a magnitude 9.1 earthquake in the Nankai Trough could produce a tsunami over 10 meters high, potentially killing up to 323,000 people and causing over 220 trillion yen ($1.5 trillion) in damage.
Q: What actions has the Japanese government taken in response to the advisory?
In response to the advisory, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cancelled his planned trip to Central Asia to focus on the government’s response. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has instructed 707 municipalities in at-risk areas to review their evacuation plans and response strategies.
Q: What are experts advising the public to do?
The JMA is urging people to stock up on emergency supplies and to discuss evacuation plans with their families. Despite the advisory, JMA experts reassured the public on Monday that no abnormal seismic activity indicating an imminent megaquake had been detected.
Q: How has the public reacted to the advisory?
The advisory has caused widespread confusion and concern. Some towns have closed beaches and canceled events, disrupting travel plans during Japan’s Obon holiday week. Supermarkets, especially in western Japan and Tokyo, have faced shortages of essential items. For instance, Yoshiko Kudo and her husband Shinya are struggling to gauge the level of concern they should have, while Yoneko Oshima in Tokyo is particularly worried about ensuring she has the necessary supplies for her diabetic husband.
Q: What measures are being taken by local businesses and services?
In Matsuyama City on Shikoku Island, hotels and resorts are reassessing their emergency procedures and equipment, leading to hundreds of cancellations. Rail companies have slowed down trains as a precaution. In Kuroshio town, shelters were initially set up but later reduced after the JMA reassured residents about the situation.
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