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The southwest region of Japan has experienced another significant tremor, raising concerns about the increased likelihood of a major earthquake, authorities warn. This potential disaster could surpass the devastation of the 2011 catastrophe. Japan remains one of the most earthquake-prone nations globally.
Recently, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands. The Japan Meteorological Agency in Tokyo has, for the first time, highlighted an elevated risk of a mega-earthquake along the Pacific coast, higher than usual.
The tremor injured several people, caused damage to buildings and roads, but there were no irregularities reported in the regional nuclear power plants. However, experts have significantly increased the probability of a large earthquake along the Nankai Trough, a deep-sea trench extending approximately 900 kilometers from Shizuoka Prefecture on Honshu to Kyushu.
The Japanese government estimates a 70-80% chance of an 8 to 9 magnitude earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, potentially resulting in up to 323,000 fatalities. The last significant tremor in this area was in 1946. Today, a mega-earthquake and subsequent tsunami could cause catastrophic damage, affecting major cities, including Tokyo.
In March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake in northeastern Japan triggered a massive tsunami, killing around 20,000 people and leading to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japanese seismologists have since focused on the Nankai Trough, fearing that an earthquake here could have even more severe consequences.
Thursday’s quake occurred about 30 kilometers deep off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, temporarily halting high-speed train operations. The tremor and the increased risk designation for the Nankai Trough have once again highlighted the dangers faced by Japan. Strong earthquakes can strike at any time, and predicting their exact occurrence remains impossible. Many fear that a major quake will inevitably hit Tokyo.
Despite the threat, panic did not spread among the population. What might be perceived in the West as indifference is actually a composed resilience. The Japanese people’s acceptance of living in such a precarious environment has fostered an extraordinary endurance in crisis situations. “The realization that one must ultimately accept living on a powder keg has led to remarkable perseverance among the island inhabitants.”
This article is based on material first published by Der Spiegel, by sug/dpa. The original version and full context can be found in the original article.
Photo: Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images
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