Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled a trip to Central Asia to lead the government’s response to a potential “megaquake” following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake off Kyushu island’s eastern coast, AP News reports.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory,” warning of a possible major earthquake triggered by the Nankai Trough, a source of past devastating earthquakes. Seismologists held an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the Kyushu quake on the Nankai Trough and recommended heightened caution for about a week. The quake injured 16 people and triggered tsunami advisories.
Kishida canceled his planned trip to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, emphasizing the need for effective government measures and communication. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency instructed at-risk municipalities to review disaster response plans. The advisory led to public unease, prompting local governments, rail operators, and agencies to introduce precautionary measures during the Obon holiday week.
A 2013 government report warned that a magnitude 9.1 quake could generate a tsunami over 10 meters high, potentially causing over 300,000 deaths and economic damage exceeding 220 trillion yen ($1.5 trillion) in a worst-case scenario.
