Overview
On Thursday, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck off Japan’s southern coast, specifically near the eastern coast of Kyushu, the country’s southern main island. The earthquake triggered a tsunami advisory, urging residents to avoid the coastline. While the quake resulted in three reported injuries, no serious damage has been documented so far.
Details of the Earthquake
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the earthquake was centered at a depth of approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) beneath the ocean’s surface. The strongest tremors were felt in Nichinan city and surrounding areas in Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu island.
Tsunami Advisory and Response
In response to the earthquake, a tsunami advisory was issued, and waves reaching up to 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) were detected along parts of Kyushu’s southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku. The advisory was later lifted for most areas, except those along the Miyazaki prefecture coastline.
Seismological Concerns and Future Risks
Following the quake, seismologists from the JMA held an emergency meeting to analyze its impact on the nearby Nankai Trough, a region known for its potential to generate devastating earthquakes. The experts warned that the probability of a future major earthquake in the area between Kyushu and central Japan is now higher than previously estimated.
University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata, speaking at a joint news conference with JMA officials, emphasized that while there is no immediate threat of a massive quake, the probability of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years is estimated to be between 70-80%. Residents along the 500-kilometer (310-mile) trough are urged to review their earthquake preparedness plans.
Immediate Aftermath and Public Safety
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that three people were injured as a result of the earthquake—two from falling during the quake and one from being struck by a falling object. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi assured the public that the situation was under control, though he urged caution and advised residents to stay clear of the coastline.
Shigeki Aoki, a JMA Seismology Department official, warned that strong aftershocks could occur over the next week, adding to the importance of ongoing vigilance.
Impact on Infrastructure
The earthquake caused some minor damage, including broken windows at Miyazaki Airport, where the runway was temporarily closed for safety inspections. In Osaki, Kagoshima prefecture, concrete walls collapsed, and a wooden house was damaged, though no injuries were reported.
Nuclear Safety
In light of Japan’s past experience with earthquakes impacting nuclear facilities, particularly the 2011 Fukushima disaster, there was immediate concern about the status of nuclear reactors in the affected region. The earthquake had no effect on any of the 12 nuclear reactors on Kyushu and Shikoku, including the three that are presently operational, according to confirmation from the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
Japan’s Seismic Activity
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent seismic activity. This latest earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, following another significant earthquake earlier this year on January 1, which resulted in over 240 deaths in the Noto region.
Conclusion
While Thursday’s earthquake did not result in significant damage or casualties, it has heightened awareness of the potential for future seismic events in Japan, particularly along the Nankai Trough. Residents are urged to remain prepared and follow guidance from local authorities in the event of aftershocks or further seismic activity.