Image Credits: The Japan Times
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has announced it will release nightly updates on seismic activity related to the potential Nankai Trough earthquake, following a significant increase in seismic risk after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Hyuganada Sea off Miyazaki Prefecture on Thursday. The agency’s advisory, known as the Megathrust Earthquake Attention, is the first of its kind and reflects an elevated probability of a major quake in the Nankai Trough region.
The JMA’s first commentary on the situation, issued Friday, details ongoing seismic activity and crustal deformation near the assumed epicenter. This development has prompted heightened caution, with the JMA urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and prepared for possible earthquakes over the coming week.
The advisory encompasses 707 municipalities across 29 prefectures, primarily along Japan’s Pacific coast from Ibaraki to Okinawa. Residents in these regions are advised to be prepared for sudden evacuations and to stay informed about the evolving situation. In response to the advisory, several precautionary measures have been implemented.
In affected areas, including Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, all beaches have been closed due to the heightened tsunami risk associated with a potential Nankai Trough quake. The town has also canceled a scheduled fireworks event to avoid potential hazards. The beach closures are expected to last for a week, with future decisions on reopening contingent on ongoing assessments.
Rail services have been significantly disrupted as a precaution. The Nanki Express, operated by Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai), and Kintetsu Railway Co.’s limited express trains between Isuzugawa and Kagoshima stations in Mie Prefecture are suspended for approximately a week. Additionally, Shinkansen bullet trains on the Tokaido Line are operating at reduced speeds between Mishima and Mikawa-Anjo stations, resulting in delays of up to 10 minutes. Other rail operators, including East Japan Railway Co. and Odakyu Electric Railway Co., have also reduced speeds on certain routes.
The Chubu Electric Power Co.’s Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in Shizuoka Prefecture has been placed on heightened alert. The facility is under 24-hour surveillance, with increased inspections of storage areas for combustible materials and safety checks at construction sites.
Governor Shunji Kono of Miyazaki Prefecture has emphasized the need for continued public awareness and preparedness, stating, “We must keep alerting people through various channels to ensure they are ready for any potential quake.”
As the situation develops, the JMA remains committed to providing timely and detailed information to help residents manage the heightened earthquake risk effectively.