Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has made the difficult decision to cancel his visit to central Asia this weekend due to increased concerns about the risk of a “megaquake” occurring off the country’s Pacific coast. This decision comes after Thursday’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake in the south-west, which has raised alarm bells among experts.
Kishida, who is currently facing challenges to his leadership in a ruling party presidential election next month, announced his decision at a press conference on Friday. He was scheduled to hold a summit with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in the Kazakh capital Astana on Friday evening, as well as meet the Mongolian president in Ulaanbaatar on Monday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever warning of the risk of a huge earthquake along the Pacific coast following the recent quake on the southernmost main island of Kyushu. While no deaths or major damage have been reported, the agency’s warning has prompted caution and preparedness measures.
The agency’s megaquake advisory highlights the heightened risk of a major earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone between two tectonic plates in the Pacific Ocean. This area has been the site of destructive earthquakes in the past, with the potential for strong shaking and large tsunamis if a major earthquake were to occur.
The Nankai Trough, an 800-kilometre undersea trough running from Shizuoka to Kyushu, has a history of megathrust quakes that have unleashed dangerous tsunamis along Japan’s southern coast. The devastating earthquake in 1707, which remains one of the nation’s most powerful on record, serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of such events.
While it is impossible to predict the precise timing of earthquakes, government experts believe there is a 70% to 80% chance of a megaquake measuring magnitude 8 or 9 happening around the Nankai Trough in the next 30 years. In the worst-case scenario, such a disaster could result in significant loss of life and financial damage.
Despite the alarming nature of these predictions, experts urge the public not to panic. While the risk of a second earthquake may be elevated, it is still considered low. Preparedness and awareness are key in mitigating the potential impact of future seismic events in Japan.
In conclusion, the cancellation of Prime Minister Kishida’s overseas trip serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of earthquakes in Japan. The country’s history of seismic activity underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.