Japan warns of possible major earthquake next week

Date : 15/01/2025

On January 15, 2025, NHK News in Japan reported, citing Dr. Yusuke Yamashita, an associate professor of seismology at the Disaster Prevention Research Institute of Kyoto University and an expert on the "Nankai Trough" earthquake mechanism, that the analysis of recent seismic activity in Miyazaki Prefecture suggests a heightened risk of a significant earthquake in the area in the coming week. This comes after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki on Monday, local time. Dr. Yamashita urged the public to remain vigilant as the situation develops.

The news report stated that the 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 36 kilometers in the Hyuganada Sea, off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, at 9:19 PM on January 13. The earthquake triggered tsunami waves that struck parts of Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures. In Miyazaki city, a tsunami wave reached a height of 20 centimeters, while Kochi city reported a wave height of 10 centimeters. However, the tsunami warning for both prefectures was lifted shortly after.

Experts stated that Monday's earthquake occurred near the edge of the area where a 7.1 magnitude earthquake took place in the Hyuganada Sea, close to Miyazaki Island, last August. They pointed out that the remaining fault area could still experience movement. However, while the energy released from Monday's earthquake was only about half that of the August earthquake, they urged the public to remain cautious about the possibility of another earthquake of similar magnitude occurring in the coming period.

Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the recent earthquake is believed to be part of ongoing seismic activity, including the major earthquake that occurred last August. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and warned that another strong earthquake may occur in the coming week. The agency also emphasized that a large earthquake could strike the Nankai Trough region at any time, and citizens should be aware of the potential risks.

https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2836217