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Japan issues special advisory on Nankai Trough megaquake: urgent preparations advised

The Nankai Trough, a significant underwater trench stretching approximately 700 kilometers from Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture to the Hyuganada Sea in Miyazaki Prefecture, is a known seismic hotspot due to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath a landward plate. This subduction process, occurring at a rate of 3 to 5 centimeters annually, results in the accumulation of tectonic strain, which typically releases in massive earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years.

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Evacuation shelters activated across four Japanese prefectures amid Nankai trough earthquake advisory

As of Sunday, approximately half of the shelters had closed, leaving 65 shelters still operational, with 22 evacuees. Notably, in Tosashimizu, Kochi Prefecture, where a potential tsunami height of up to 34 meters is anticipated, around 15 elderly residents took refuge in a local shelter. Similarly, in Tosa, Kochi, a welfare shelter was set up in a senior care facility to accommodate bedridden elderly individuals.

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Bon holidays commence amidst Nankai trough megaquake advisory: tourism and safety measures in focus

At JR Tokyo Station, the Tokaido Shinkansen platforms were bustling with families and young people embarking on their journeys. Among them was a 21-year-old university student from Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, traveling to Osaka. "My hometown is near the sea. I don’t know the evacuation sites and routes, so I want to look those up," he noted, reflecting a broader sense of caution among travelers.

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Japan issues megaquake alert: tourism and supplies hit hard

The JMA's new alert, issued in response to a recent powerful earthquake off Miyazaki Prefecture, marks the first time such an advisory has been issued. This precautionary measure has had immediate and far-reaching impacts on Japan’s tourism sector. In Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, home to the renowned Kotohira-gu shrine, the Kotohira Hot Springs Kotosankaku inn has seen around 50 room cancellations for the period of August 10 to 17. The inn’s sales manager expressed disappointment, noting a surge in bookings earlier this year

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Tsunami hits Japan’s Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures following Southern Japan earthquake

The JMA has also issued Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information as part of its ongoing assessment of the seismic situation. This alert is intended to evaluate the likelihood of a subsequent megaquake in the Nankai Trough region, which has historically been prone to large-scale seismic events. The agency is closely monitoring the situation and analyzing data to determine any potential connections between the recent earthquake and the seismic activity in the Nankai Trough.

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Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi addresses impact of Miyazaki earthquake and Nankai trough connection

In addition to assessing the local impact, Hayashi indicated that the government is also examining the potential relationship between this earthquake and seismic activity associated with the Nankai Trough. The Nankai Trough, a well-known seismic zone off Japan's southeastern coast, has been closely monitored due to its history of generating major earthquakes. Hayashi’s remarks suggest that officials are investigating whether this recent quake could be linked to the broader seismic patterns of the Nankai Trough, which could have implications for future quake risks in the region.

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Japan Meteorological Agency issues rare Nankai trough earthquake alert following Miyazaki quake

The Nankai Trough, a major seismic zone off Japan's southeastern coast, is known for its potential to generate large-scale earthquakes, which could significantly impact the surrounding areas. The JMA's decision to release this extra information underscores the heightened concern regarding seismic activity in the region. The alert aims to assess the likelihood of a powerful aftershock or megaquake in the Nankai Trough, a scenario that could pose substantial risks to both infrastructure and public safety.