A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan on Thursday, setting off alarm bells in the island nation. While the quake did not cause significant damage, its epicenter near the Nankai Trough has sparked fears of a larger seismic event. For the first time in its history, the Japanese meteorological agency has issued a warning about the possibility of a mega-earthquake.
The Nankai Trough, a subduction zone where the Philippine Plate sinks beneath the Eurasian Plate, It is infamous for its potential to generate devastating earthquakes. This geological fault has been the origin of numerous earthquakes throughout history, some with catastrophic consequences.
The recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake has increased tension in the Nankai Trough, raising the risk of a megathrust earthquake, defined as an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher. Experts warn that an earthquake of such magnitude could reach 9.1 degrees, unleashing a tsunami of unimaginable consequences for the Japanese coast.
Review emergency plans
Although no evacuation orders have been issued, authorities are urging people to review their emergency plans and remain vigilant over the next week. Professor Naoshi Hirata of the University of Tokyo and chairman of the expert group monitoring the Nankai Trough, He stressed the importance of preparation for the potential of a large-scale natural disaster.
The seismic history of the Nankai Trough is a constant reminder of the threat it poses. Estimates suggest that this fault releases its energy every 100 to 150 years, triggering megathrust earthquakes. The last such event occurred in 1946, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake. which generated a tsunami with waves of up to 7 metres, leaving more than 1,300 victims.
With a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake hitting the Nankai Trough in the next 30 years, Japan faces a latent but real threat. A 2012 study estimated that a mega-earthquake in this region could kill up to 323,000 people.
Japan’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity, makes it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. While accurately predicting the occurrence of an earthquake remains a challenge for science, Constant monitoring of geological faults and public awareness are crucial to mitigate the impact of these inevitable events.
Japanese authorities have implemented strict earthquake-proof construction standards and early warning systems to minimize damage in the event of an earthquake. However, the potential magnitude of a megathrust earthquake in the Nankai Trough It requires constant preparation and a rapid and efficient response to a catastrophic scenario.
