Authorities in Japan have urged the public to avoid stockpiling items amidst growing concerns about a potential megaquake. The spike in demand for disaster kits and essential supplies on Saturday came after the weather agency issued its first advisory, stating that a large earthquake was more likely following a magnitude 7.1 tremor in the south on Thursday, which resulted in 14 injuries.
A Tokyo supermarket displayed a sign apologizing for shortages of certain products due to “quake-related media reports” and warned of potential sales restrictions. Bottled water was already being rationed because of unstable procurement. Online retailer Rakuten also showed high demand for portable toilets, preserved food, and bottled water.
The advisory is related to the Nankai Trough subduction zone in the Pacific Ocean, known for past massive earthquakes. While the risk of a major earthquake is elevated, experts emphasize that it remains relatively low. The government estimates a 70 percent probability of a significant quake occurring within 30 years.
A magnitude-5.3 tremor near Tokyo triggered alarms and briefly halted bullet train operations on Friday. Despite concerns, most seismologists do not believe this tremor is directly linked to the potential Nankai Trough megaquake due to the distance.
Spam posts exploiting fears of the megaquake on social media are on the rise, with misleading links redirecting users to inappropriate content. The Japanese archipelago experiences around 1,500 quakes annually, with the recent memory of a deadly quake on the Noto Peninsula on January 1 that killed hundreds, reminding citizens of the seismic risks.
