The Tokara Islands in southern Japan have been rattled by more than 800 earthquakes over the past 11 days, alarming the local population. The Japan Meteorological Agency has reported tremors strong enough to be felt, with no immediate risk of tsunamis, though residents are cautioned about potential landslides.
800 Earthquakes Strike Japan’s Remote Tokara Islands in Just Over a Week
800 Earthquakes Strike Japan’s Remote Tokara Islands in Just Over a Week
A series of over 800 tremors, including a significant 5.6-magnitude quake, has shaken the Tokara Islands, keeping residents on edge.
Across the past two weeks, an isolated chain of islands in the southwestern region of Japan has experienced a remarkable surge in seismic activity, with over 800 recorded earthquakes shaking the area since June 21. Among these tremors, a notable 5.6-magnitude quake occurred on Wednesday, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. This unusual seismic pattern has been attributed to the Tokara Islands, a collection of 12 islands located between Japan's main island and the southern prefecture of Okinawa.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that each of the quakes measured at least 1.5 on the Japanese intensity scale, sufficient to be perceived by residents. More powerful quakes, particularly those exceeding a magnitude of 5.0, have the potential to cause furniture and other objects to topple over, raising fears among the island's population of about 600 residents.
The Tokara Islands, known for their scenic beauty and natural hot springs, were formed from volcanic activity beneath the sea. Although the Japan Meteorological Agency has not provided a clear explanation for the current uptick in seismic events, historical patterns suggest that new volcanic islands may emerge following clusters of significant earthquakes. Two years prior, an underwater volcano eruption near Iwo Jima resulted in the appearance of a new island.
Given Japan’s historical susceptibility to earthquakes, both the authorities and the public have established protocols for disaster preparedness. Yet, due to the remoteness of the Tokara Islands, emergency response takes considerable time, often necessitating helicopter transport since a ferry ride to Nakanoshima, the largest island, typically takes over six hours.
Residents on Akusekijima, one of the affected islands, expressed concerns about sleepless nights due to the ongoing tremors, according to The Asahi Shimbun newspaper. While there has been no immediate threat of tsunamis, the Japan Meteorological Agency has urged caution regarding potential falling rocks and landslides amid the increased seismic activity.
