Japan has lifted the warning that a devastating “megaquake” could strike, urging people to return to their normal routines. The alert, which was a week old, led to thousands of cancellations and panic buying in stores.
“The people of Japan are free to go back to normal lifestyles,” disaster management minister Yoshifumi Matsumura announced at 5:00 pm (0800 GMT).
Although the special warning has been lifted, Matsumura emphasized the importance of precautionary measures such as securing furniture, knowing evacuation shelter locations, and stocking up on emergency supplies.
Even though the risk of a major earthquake remains, Matsumura advised people to remain vigilant and continue practicing safety measures.
The alert was issued by Japan’s weather agency after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake highlighted the increased likelihood of a megaquake, particularly along the Nankai Trough in the Pacific Ocean.
The Nankai Trough is an undersea gully that runs parallel to Japan’s Pacific coast and has a history of powerful earthquakes that can trigger tsunamis.
The last megaquake along the Nankai Trough occurred in 1707 and remains one of Japan’s most powerful earthquakes on record.
– Impending Threat –
The Japanese government has estimated a 70 percent probability of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking along the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, potentially causing significant loss of life and extensive damage.
Despite the low risk, the agriculture and fisheries ministry urged people to refrain from hoarding goods, as panic buying led to shortages in supermarkets and online stores.
The megaquake warning prompted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to cancel a trip and precautionary measures were taken, including slower trains and nuclear plant inspections.
– Geological Concerns –
Japan’s location on major tectonic plates makes it prone to frequent earthquakes, but advanced building techniques and emergency procedures help mitigate damage.
The recent warning was the first since regulations were implemented after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Fukushima.
Geologists expressed concerns about past earthquakes along the Nankai Trough, emphasizing the importance of preparedness despite the low probability of a future catastrophe.
kh-hih-stu/pbt
