Japan has issued its first-ever megaquake warning following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Kyushu near Nichinan. This powerful quake struck at 4:43 PM local time, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue both a tsunami warning and an unprecedented megaquake alert. The agency noted that submarines in the Nankai Trough detected higher-than-usual chances of a significant earthquake occurring in the next week.
The earthquake, which most strongly affected Nichinan city and surrounding areas in Miyazaki prefecture, caused widespread concern and disruptions. Bullet trains in the region were halted, and people evacuated buildings, with footage showing shaking light fixtures and power lines. Although initial reports suggested a second quake, it was later confirmed that only one tremor occurred.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and taking protective measures. The government has set up a special task force to assess damage and potential risks, while seismologists are investigating the impact on the Nankai Trough. The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no abnormalities at nuclear power plants in the area, ensuring public safety.
The January 1 quake and its aftershocks toppled buildings, caused fires, and knocked out infrastructure at a time when families were celebrating the new year. Sitting along the western edge of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. More than 15,000 people were killed in a magnitude 9 quake in 2011 that triggered a devastating tsunami and triple reactor meltdowns at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima.
