Japan 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Kyushu with No Reported Damage

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan, on Wednesday at a depth of 40km, with no damage reported. This follows a recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar. A Japanese government report warns of potential fatalities and losses from future megaquakes, emphasizing the seismic risks associated with areas like the Nankai Trough.

On Wednesday, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake affected Japan’s Kyushu region at 7:34 AM local time, reported by the National Center for Seismology. Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported in the aftermath. This seismic event occurred just days following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which tragically resulted in over 2,800 fatalities and left countless people homeless.

The Japan Meteorological Agency provided details that the earthquake struck at a depth of 40 kilometers. Notably, the timing of this seismic activity raises concerns as a recent Japanese government report highlighted the potential consequences of a future “megaquake,” which could cause as many as 298,000 deaths and financial damages approaching $2 trillion to Japan.

A “megaquake” is defined as an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or higher, known to cause widespread destruction and possibly trigger tsunamis. The latest figures, which updated a 2014 estimate, focus on the seismic hazards associated with the Nankai Trough, a significant undersea trench marked by active tectonic activity between the Philippine Sea plate and the continental plate under Japan.

The Nankai Trough extends approximately 800 kilometers from Shizuoka to Kyushu, where the tectonic plates are gradually locked together and store energy leading to potentially major earthquakes. In previous developments, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” in August after a magnitude 7.1 quake caused injuries in southern Japan. In January of that year, another major quake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula, resulting in at least 260 deaths, including 30 due to quake-related incidents.

The recent 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan’s Kyushu region has raised awareness about the potential for significantly more destructive seismic events, particularly with the looming threat of a ‘megaquake.’ While the immediate impact appears minimal with no reported damage, the implications of larger earthquakes could be devastating. This incident serves as a reminder of Japan’s seismic vulnerabilities and the importance of preparedness.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com