Nankai Megathrust Earthquakes: Japan on High Alert as Experts Weigh In
Japan's Major Earthquake Warning Raises Concerns
Japan's Meteorological Agency has issued a major earthquake warning, putting much of the country on high alert.
The warning comes after a strong magnitude 7.1 quake occurred on Thursday at the Nankai Trough, a seismic hotspot known for producing powerful megathrust earthquakes.
The agency said that the chance of a major earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough is relatively higher than usual.
Nankai Megathrust Earthquakes: A Significant Threat
Nankai megathrust earthquakes are great earthquakes that occur when one tectonic plate is thrust beneath another.
These earthquakes can be devastating, causing severe shaking and flooding.
A major Nankai Trough earthquake could severely shake or flood an area that covers about a third of the nation and where about half the population resides.
Experts Cast Doubt on Earthquake Advisory
While the Meteorological Agency has issued an earthquake warning, some experts have cast doubt on whether such an advisory is helpful.
They argue that it could create unnecessary panic and that it is difficult to predict exactly when an earthquake will occur.
However, the agency maintains that the warning is necessary to raise awareness of the risks and to encourage people to take precautions.
Past Nankai Megathrust Earthquakes
- 1707 Hōei earthquake (estimated magnitude 8.6)
- 1854 Ansei-Tokai earthquake (estimated magnitude 8.4)
- 1944 Tōnankai earthquake (magnitude 8.1)
What to Do if an Earthquake Occurs
- Stay calm and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- If you are indoors, stay away from windows and exterior walls.
- If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
- After the earthquake, check for injuries and damage, and report any damage to your local authorities.
Sources:
- [Japan Meteorological Agency](https://www.jma.go.jp/en/)
- [United States Geological Survey](https://www.usgs.gov/)
- [National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/)
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