Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information

A major earthquake with magnitude 7.1 occurred at the east of Kyushu island of Japan on August 8. Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information for the first time, warning the people in area facing the Pacific Ocean possibility of a greater earthquake following. Japan is closely watching tectonic activities for coming weeks.

The earthquake occurred at about 30 kilometers offshore Miyazaki, the sea called Hyuganada, with depth of 30 kilometers Thursday afternoon. The earthquake marked the degree 6 minor of seismic intensity in some cities in Miyazaki prefecture. It caused falling of some houses, delay of transportation in airlines and railways, and blackout of some places. The coastal area of Miyazaki marked arriving of 0.5 meter high of tsunami.

 

JMA immediately convened a meeting of experts for assessing the impact of the earthquake and issued the extra information of “the megaquake advisory.” It was lower alert than “the megaquake waring” which would urge the people to evacuate. However, the experts recognizes that the possibility of Nankai Trough Great Earthquake has become several times higher than usual.

 

The government of Japan has estimated that the great earthquake in Nankai Trough may cause 320 thousands of death and 220 trillion yen of economic loss at worst. The Earthquake Research Committee of the government predicts a great earthquake with magnitude 8 to 9 occurring within next 30 years with possibility of 70 to 80 percent. Huge tsunami with 30 meters high will hit the coastal area.

 

The advisory covers 707 municipalities in broad area from Kanto to Okinawa. So, what the people living in the region should do for possible earthquake? It is not sure. All they can do is to double check their emergency kit, increasing their stock of toilet rolls or water for drink, or reconfirm their evacuation plan with “hazard map” distributed by the cities they are living.

 

It is difficult for everyone to maintain a sense of warning, even if the government calls for preparation for a great earthquake for months or years. There was a major quake in Kanagawa, one of the prefectures in Kanto area, the day after the earthquake in Hyuganada. The experts determined that the quake in Kanagawa was not related to Nankai Trough Great Earthquake. Japan always needs to be careful about any earthquakes other than in Nankai Trough.

 

Resiliency and reinforcement of the homeland has been a major target for development of Japan after the East Japan Great Earthquake in 2011. The government of Japan promoted enhancement of scientific technology in prediction of earthquake or building infrastructure against earthquake and tsunami. However, it is not easy to always remind the people of the fact that they are living on the land called “nest of earthquake.”

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