Japan is facing a serious threat from a potential megaquake that could strike off its southern coast. According to a recent report from the government, this disaster could lead to nearly 300,000 deaths and the destruction of over 2 million buildings. The Cabinet Office released this alarming model, highlighting the risks associated with a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough region.
The report indicates that there is an 80% chance of such a quake occurring within the next 30 years. If it happens, experts predict a magnitude-9 earthquake originating in the sea between Shizuoka and Miyazaki prefectures. This could trigger a tsunami reaching heights of up to 30 meters, or about 96 feet.
This new estimate of potential casualties is slightly lower than the previous projections made in 2012 and 2013, which estimated around 323,000 deaths. The decrease is attributed to advancements in disaster prevention measures, such as stronger building codes and improved sea walls.
Japan is no stranger to earthquakes. It is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The last major quake, a magnitude-9 event off the coast of Fukushima in March 2011, resulted in over 15,000 fatalities. In light of this ongoing risk, the government issued a warning last year about an increased likelihood of a megaquake in the Nankai Trough, where the Philippine sea plate meets the Eurasian continental plate.
This warning was unprecedented and followed a smaller quake near Kyushu. It prompted train operators to slow down services and led some factories to temporarily halt production. Fortunately, the warning was lifted after about a week.
As Japan continues to prepare for the possibility of this disaster, the emphasis remains on strengthening infrastructure and enhancing safety measures to protect its citizens.