Japan’s Prime Minister Cancels Central Asia Trip Amid Earthquake Concerns

In a significant development, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to cancel his upcoming trip to central Asia due to the alarming possibility of a “megaquake” occurring in the near future. This decision follows a powerful earthquake that struck off the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, raising concerns among officials and citizens alike.

Reports indicate that nine individuals sustained injuries on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu, although these injuries were primarily minor. Fortunately, there have been no reports of severe damage to infrastructure, and tsunami advisories issued in the aftermath of the quake were subsequently lifted.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.1, was centered in waters off the eastern coast of Kyushu at a depth of approximately 30 kilometers below the sea surface. The tremors were most intensely felt in Nichinan city and surrounding areas in Miyazaki prefecture.

In the wake of the earthquake, tsunami waves measuring up to 50 centimeters were detected along parts of Kyushu’s southern coastline and the nearby island of Shikoku approximately half an hour after the initial quake. This prompted seismologists at the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to convene an emergency meeting to evaluate the potential impact of this event on the nearby Nankai Trough, a region known for its history of devastating earthquakes.

Following their assessment, the JMA raised the risk level for major quakes associated with the Nankai Trough, suggesting that the likelihood of future seismic activity from Kyushu to central Japan is now greater than previously anticipated. Although officials emphasized that there is no immediate threat of a significant quake, they strongly advised residents in coastal areas along the trough to review their earthquake preparedness measures.

Naoshi Hirata, a seismologist from the University of Tokyo and a member of the expert panel, addressed reporters during a joint news conference with JMA officials. He stated, “There is a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake originating from the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years.” Hirata also noted that Thursday’s seismic event has potentially increased that probability, though the exact timing and location of any future quake remain unpredictable. He urged residents to maintain heightened vigilance for at least a week following the earthquake.

In light of these developments, Prime Minister Kishida reassured the public that the government’s crisis management team would enhance disaster preparedness efforts. He urged citizens to remain alert to information from authorities, especially in the event of another major quake, and emphasized the importance of avoiding the spread of misinformation.

Japan has a long history of earthquakes, being situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” which is a region characterized by a high level of seismic activity due to tectonic plate movements. The catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck in March 2011, leading to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, has heightened concerns about seismic events, particularly in areas housing nuclear power plants.

As a reminder of the ongoing seismic risks, another earthquake struck on January 1 in Japan’s north-central region of Noto, resulting in over 240 fatalities. The lessons from such tragedies continue to resonate, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.