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Japan Meteorological Agency

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

Japan ·

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.

By Ishita Agarwal
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Japan Meteorological Agency warns against earthquake prediction hoaxes amid increased seismic activity

Japan ·

Recent events, including the magnitude-7.1 quake, have led the JMA to acknowledge an increased likelihood of a megaquake in the region compared to normal conditions. However, the agency emphasizes the inherent difficulty in predicting such events with precision. The JMA cites past failures, such as the inability to foresee the magnitude-9 Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, despite the prior occurrence of a magnitude-7.3 quake off the Sanriku coast. This led to a policy shift in 2017, focusing on issuing alerts after significant seismic events rather than attempting precise predictions.

By Ishita Agarwal
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Typhoon Maria set to strike Tohoku region on Monday: Japan Meteorological Agency warns of heavy rainfall

Japan ·

Typhoon Maria, which has been intensifying over the Pacific Ocean, is projected to make landfall in the Tohoku region—an area known for its mountainous terrain and susceptibility to extreme weather conditions. As the typhoon advances, JMA predicts that the region will experience intense rainfall, potentially leading to flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The heavy downpours are expected to begin affecting the area on Sunday night, with the worst conditions anticipated on Monday

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

Japan ·

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.

By Ishita Agarwal
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Japan issues megaquake alert: tourism and supplies hit hard

Japan ·

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

By Ishita Agarwal
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Japan urges preparedness for potential Nankai trough megaquake; expert warns against panic buying

Japan ·

This alert, marking the JMA’s inaugural issuance of such a warning, reflects an increased likelihood of a devastating megaquake in the Nankai Trough region. Naoshi Hirata, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo and chair of the Nankai Trough Earthquake Assessment Committee, emphasized the heightened risk, stating that the probability of a major quake occurring has risen substantially. Hirata’s comments, made during a press conference, highlighted the need for vigilance despite the warning’s current status.

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

Japan ·

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.

By Ishita Agarwal

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