THE TWIN EARTHQUAKE
In a dramatic turn of events, Japan was rocked by two powerful earthquakes, prompting tsunami warnings across several regions. The seismic saga began with a 6.9-magnitude Japan Earthquake, swiftly followed by a stronger 7.1-magnitude tremor. These shook the southwestern islands of Kyushu and Shikoku, causing widespread alarm and prompting swift action from authorities.
Tsunami Alert Issued After Japan Earthquake
The Japan Meteorological Agency acted quickly, issuing a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki, Kochi, Oita, Kagoshima, and Ehime prefectures.
In Miyazaki, waves reaching 20 centimeters were already observed, with warnings indicating that tsunamis up to one meter could impact various coastal areas of Kyushu and Shikoku.
Authorities urged residents to stay away from the sea and coastal regions until the warning was lifted, emphasizing the need for caution.
Impact and Immediate Response
The first waves began to hit the coast of Miyazaki shortly after the earthquakes, but more were anticipated. The United States Geological Survey reported that the first quake struck less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki, followed by the second quake just a minute later.
This seismic activity was confirmed by NERV, Japan’s earthquake monitoring agency, which pinpointed the location to the Hyuga-Nada Sea.
Despite the intensity of the tremors, there were no immediate reports of significant structural damage. The police chief of Nichinan in Kyushu noted that buildings in the area remained intact.
Additionally, the Kyushu Electric Power Company confirmed that its nuclear power plants were operating normally, as did the Shikoku Electric Power Company for the Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime Prefecture.
Transportation and Government Actions
In response to the earthquakes, flights to and from Miyazaki Airport were suspended as a precaution, with officials conducting thorough checks for any abnormalities.
Meanwhile, the Japanese government established a special task force to coordinate rescue operations and ensure public safety in the affected areas.
Japan Earthquake Prompts PM to Rethink Travel Plans
The recent earthquakes also led to potential changes in the political arena. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida considered canceling his planned visit to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia due to the heightened earthquake risk.
The Japan Meteorological Agency had warned of a “relatively higher chance” of another major earthquake near Japan’s Pacific coast, adding urgency to the situation.
Why Japan is Prone to Earthquakes
Japan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is largely due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the world’s most active earthquake belt.
This region, shaped like a horseshoe along the Pacific Ocean, is notorious for its seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. It accounts for about 90% of the planet’s earthquakes, including some of the most powerful.
Japan sits at the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific plate, the Philippine plate, the North American plate, and the Eurasian plate. This geological setting makes it a hotspot for seismic activity.
Conclusion
The recent earthquakes in Japan have once again highlighted the country’s resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
As the nation continues to monitor and respond to the aftermath, the spirit of unity and vigilance remains strong.
The events serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by living in such a seismically active region, and the importance of readiness and community support in times of crisis.
Watch here : Birth of a Tsunami
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