Japan megaquake warning as ’98-foot tsunami’ feared | World | News
Japan issued a mega earthquake warning following the earthquake that hit the country’s east coast on Monday.
Following Monday’s earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale and is considered a major earthquake that can cause major damage for hundreds of kilometers, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the risk of an earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater will increase within the next week. reports The Mirror.
Reports suggest that another offshore megaearthquake in Japan’s Hokkaido-Sanriku region could trigger a tsunami up to 38 meters high in the region, potentially causing up to 199,000 deaths, the destruction of as many as 220,000 homes and buildings, and estimated economic damage of up to 31 trillion yen ($198 billion).
According to government estimates, as many as 42,000 people may suffer from hypothermia during the winter months.
As a result, the JMA issued an earthquake warning of an increased risk of a significant earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher along the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench off Hokkaido.
Government officials are now warning residents, especially those living in coastal areas, to be ready to evacuate at the first sign of tremors. The warning stretches from Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture and is the first warning of its kind for the region since the megaearthquake warning category was introduced in 2022 and covers nearly 800 miles of coastline.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi issued a stern warning to his citizens to be careful wherever they are and to evacuate immediately if any tremors are detected.
“Due to this earthquake, the probability of a major earthquake occurring from Hokkaido to the Sanriku offshore area is now considered higher than normal. Accordingly, the ‘Offshore Hokkaido and Sanriku Earthquake Warning’ has been issued,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
In his speech to the nation, he emphasized that while it remains unclear whether a truly serious earthquake will occur, local people should prepare accordingly.
“Regardless of whether your area is affected by this earthquake or not, those living in areas where disaster preparedness measures are recommended should pay close attention to information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local authorities over the next week.” he advised.
“In addition to routinely verifying earthquake preparedness, such as identifying safe evacuation areas and routes and securing furniture, please be prepared to evacuate immediately if you feel any shaking.”
Officials emphasized that the advisory does not constitute a prediction, noting that the probability of an earthquake of magnitude eight or greater remains at only one percent. However, Japanese officials hope the warning will serve as a reminder to those who remained complacent after devastating earthquakes in Japan in 2011 that killed nearly 20,000 people and destroyed a nuclear facility.
