Fri, 20 September 2024 03:21:49am
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Japan on Edge: First Megaquake Warning Issued After 7.1-Magnitude Shock Rocks Kyushu Coast
Japan on Edge: First 'Megaquake' Warning Issued After 7.1-Magnitude Shock Rocks Kyushu Coast
TOKYO: In a rare and alarming development, Japan issued its first-ever "megaquake" warning on Thursday after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake rattled the southern coast near Miyazaki Prefecture. This seismic event has reignited fears of a long-dreaded catastrophic earthquake, sparking a tsunami advisory and leaving the nation bracing for potential aftershocks.
A Nation on High Alert: The earthquake struck at 4:42 p.m. local time, 18 miles beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Despite the magnitude of the quake, initial reports suggest the damage has been relatively light, with three people injured and no major infrastructure failures reported.
However, what followed the tremor has the country on edge. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a "mega earthquake caution," signaling an increased possibility of a larger seismic event in the near future. The agency emphasized that while a megaquake is not certain, the risk is higher than usual, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Tsunami Advisory and Damage Reports: In the immediate aftermath of the quake, a tsunami advisory was issued for the coastal areas of Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures, warning residents to evacuate to higher ground. Waves up to 1.6 feet were detected along Kyushu’s southern coast and on the nearby island of Shikoku, with a 20-inch surge reported at Miyazaki Port.
Despite the tsunami threat, most of the physical damage was minor. Reports include landslides, traffic light outages, and broken windows at Miyazaki Airport, where the runway was temporarily closed for safety checks. In Kagoshima Prefecture, a concrete wall collapsed and a wooden house was damaged.
Government Response and Public Safety: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida quickly addressed the nation, urging citizens to stay alert and be prepared for emergency evacuations. "We ask all citizens to carefully check every new information issued by the government, reconfirm their daily earthquake preparedness, and be ready to evacuate immediately in the event of an earthquake," Kishida stated.
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that all 12 nuclear reactors in the region remain secure, a critical concern in a country still haunted by the 2011 Fukushima disaster, triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake.
Historical Context: Japan's location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" makes it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The region is no stranger to devastating earthquakes, with the potential for massive loss of life and infrastructure damage, as evidenced by the tragic events in Fukushima over a decade ago.
While Thursday's quake did not result in significant casualties or destruction, the "megaquake" warning has heightened anxiety across the nation, reminding everyone of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature.
Key Points:
- A 7.1-magnitude earthquake off the southern coast of Japan prompted the country’s first "megaquake" warning.
- A tsunami advisory was issued, with waves up to 1.6 feet reported along Kyushu’s coast.
- Minor damages were reported, including landslides and airport disruptions, with three people injured.
- The Japanese government has urged heightened vigilance and preparedness for potential aftershocks.
- All nuclear reactors in the affected region remain secure.
