Japanese PM cancels trip as scientists urge preparations amid ‘megaquake’ fear

9 August 2024, 14:24

A house is seen collapsed in Oosaki town, Kagoshima prefecture
Japan Earthquake. Picture: PA

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first ever ‘megaquake advisory’ on Thursday.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has cancelled a planned trip to Central Asia to lead the government’s response after scientists urged people to prepare for a possible “megaquake” off the country’s southern coast.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first ever “megaquake advisory” on Thursday warning of a possible future major earthquake triggered by the underwater Nankai Trough, after a magnitude 7.1 quake shook just off the eastern coast of Kyushu island earlier in the day.

The trough, which runs along Japan’s Pacific coast, was the source of past devastating earthquakes.

Seismologists at the agency held an emergency meeting after Thursday’s quake to analyse whether it had affected the nearby trough and reassessed the risk of a major quake. They urged people to observe high caution levels for about a week.

Thursday’s quake injured 16 people, most of them slightly, and caused no major damage. Tsunami advisories were issued for several areas but lifted hours later.

Mr Kishida announced that he had cancelled his planned August 9-12 trip to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia as a result of the advisory.

An aerial photo shows the site of a landslide in Shibushi
There have been warnings of a ‘megaquake’ (Kyodo News via AP)

He said: “I have decided to stay in the country at least for about a week to make sure that government measures and communication are fully in place.”

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency instructed 707 municipalities designated as at risk from a Nankai Trough quake to review their disaster response measures and evacuation plans.

The meteorological agency’s first “megaquake advisory” sparked public unease and prompted local government offices, rail operators and other agencies to begin introducing precautionary measures, affecting holiday travelers during the summer “Obon” holiday week.

The popular seaside town of Shirahama in Wakayama prefecture said its four beaches, outdoor hot springs, parks and other facilities will be closed for the next week. An annual fireworks festival planned for Saturday was cancelled.

Aoshima, another popular beach resort in Miyazaki prefecture, which was hardest hit by Thursday’s quake, was also closed.

Rail companies serving the region said their trains will operate at slightly reduced speeds as a precautionary measure.

By Press Association

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi speak to the media

Pakistani court sentences Imran Khan to 14 years in prison in corruption case

Lawyers Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser and Vadim Kobzev behind bars

Lawyers for Alexei Navalny jailed by Russian court

Anne spoke to TF1 about her ordeal

'AI Brad Pitt' scammer who tricked woman into sending £700k 'now posing as another Hollywood A-lister'

President-elect Donald Trump greets actor Sylvester Stallone during an America First Policy Institute gala

Donald Trump names actors Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone and Jon Voight as 'special envoys' to Hollywood

Imran Khan

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan jailed for 14 years in corruption case

SpaceX's mega rocket Starship launches for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas

Elon Musk's rocket explodes after lift-off, sending debris through the air - and even disrupting several flights

Film – It Ends With Us

Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds in next It Ends With Us fight

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams have signed a ceasefire deal in Doha.

Israeli Cabinet to vote on Gaza ceasefire deal after Netanyahu says agreement reached with Hamas

Israel Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu says officials have reached a deal to return hostages

APTOPIX Biden

Biden will not enforce TikTok ban before leaving office, official says

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds attend the "It Ends With Us" New York Premiere

Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400m as It Ends With Us legal feud heats up

SpaceX Starship Launch

SpaceX loses spacecraft after catching rocket booster at the launch pad

Syria-Israel border at Golan Heights

Last details finalised in Gaza ceasefire deal - after Israel accuses Hamas of backtracking on some terms

The 34-year-old woman from Queensland is charged with giving an infant girl unauthorised medications and posting videos of her in ‘immense distress and pain’.

Australian influencer charged with torture after poisoning baby 'for clicks and cash'

An Israel army vehicle on the move in Gaza

Netanyahu postpones vote on ceasefire blaming Hamas for last-minute dispute

Blinken was repeatedly interrupted during his speech on Thursday, with one journalist calling him a criminal.

Blinken heckled in final speech as he says he is ‘confident’ Gaza ceasefire will be implemented amid Israeli delay