At least 470 Earthquakes shake Japan

At least 470 earthquakes have rattled a remote island chain in southern Japan since Saturday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported on Thursday, June 26, urging residents to remain vigilant. The seismic activity has been centred around the Tokara Islands, located south of Kyushu. According to the JMA, 474 quakes with a seismic intensity of at least one on Japans seven-point scale had been recorded by Thursday morning. While this level is barely perceptibleusually only felt by people sitting quietly indoorsofficials are warning of the potential for stronger tremors. Seismic activity has increased. As this region has experienced extended periods of earthquake activity in the past, please be vigilant against earthquakes that cause strong shaking, the agency said in a statement. The strongest tremors so far were two magnitude-5.1 quakes, one on Sunday and another on Tuesday, each registering a seismic intensity of four. According to Japans scale, this level of shaking typically startles most people, causes dishes to rattle, and makes hanging objects swing noticeably. A similar seismic episode occurred in the region in September 2023, when 346 earthquakes were recorded over 15 days, according to public broadcaster NHK. The Tokara Islands comprise 12 volcanic islands, seven of which are inhabited by a total population of approximately 700 residents. These islands are accessible only by a ferry service that operates twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Marine volcanology expert and associate professor Hisayoshi Yokose of Kumamoto University told NHK that a stronger quake could still occur. An earthquake of up to magnitude 6 could take place, so please be vigilant, he cautioned. Japan sits atop four major tectonic plates and lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The nation experiences roughly 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for around 18 percent of global seismic activity. While most quakes in Japan are minor, their impact can vary significantly depending on location and depth. On January 1, 2024, more than 400 people were killed after a massive earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan. The disaster caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, triggering fires, and crippling infrastructure just as families were celebrating the New Year. The post At least 470Earthquakes shake Japan appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.