On August 8, 2024, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck off the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Hyuganada Sea, at a relatively shallow depth of 18.6 miles (30 km), which amplified the tremors felt on the surface.
Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for the southern coast of Kyushu and the nearby island of Shikoku. The warning predicted waves as high as three feet (1 meter), prompting authorities to urge residents to evacuate to higher ground and avoid the coastline.
The earthquake caused significant shaking throughout the region, with social media users posting videos of buildings and retail malls trembling. Local radio stations in Kirishima, Kyushu, reported that staff members fled their studios amidst the intense shaking.
Just hours after the initial earthquake, the JMA issued an unusual announcement: a potential “megaquake” warning. The agency stated that there was a higher than normal probability of a significant earthquake occurring near the infamous Nankai Trough subduction zone. This warning sent shockwaves through the nation, as the Nankai Trough is known for its history of powerful earthquakes.
In response to the heightened risk, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled a planned visit to Kazakhstan, citing the need to remain in Japan and address the growing concerns of the population. “People would be feeling anxious,” Kishida remarked, acknowledging the fear that grips the nation whenever seismic activity intensifies.
Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active nations, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. With an average of 1,500 earthquakes each year, the country has a long history of dealing with seismic events. Although Japan has strict building regulations designed to withstand even the most powerful earthquakes, the memory of past tragedies, most notably the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, still lingers in the minds of many.
The 560-mile (900-kilometer) subduction zone known as the Nankai Trough has been the source of multiple megaquakes throughout history. The last major earthquake to strike this area occurred in 1946, with a magnitude of 8.0, resulting in nearly 1,300 deaths. Experts have warned for years that another significant earthquake could strike the area within the next few decades, potentially causing widespread destruction.
While the immediate threat of a massive tsunami has subsided, the possibility of aftershocks and further seismic activity remains. The JMA is advising residents in the affected areas to stay alert and be prepared for any additional evacuation orders.
The Japanese government has established a special task force to monitor the situation and plan emergency measures. Although there have been no reports of serious injuries or damage, the situation is being closely monitored as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
The recent earthquake and tsunami warning in Japan have once again highlighted the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The nation remains on high alert as people brace for more aftershocks and the potential threat of a megaquake. While the government and emergency services’ swift response demonstrates Japan’s preparedness for such events, there is still apprehension about what the future holds.
