Japan Faces Potential Megaquake: $1.8 Trillion in Damages and 300,000 Lives at Risk
Japan assesses an 80% chance of a megaquake in the Nankai Trough, predicting $1.8 trillion in damages and 300,000 deaths if a magnitude 9 quake strikes during winter at night. Preparedness includes possible evacuation of 1.23 million people, stemming from historical earthquake experiences that highlight significant risks.
Japan, a nation highly prone to earthquakes, faces a grim forecast regarding the Nankai Trough. The government estimates there is an 80% likelihood of a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake occurring along this seismically active seabed zone. This worst-case scenario outlines potential damages of approximately $1.8 trillion, with around 300,000 fatalities predicted, particularly if the event transpires during winter at night.
The Nankai Trough, located off Japan’s southwest Pacific coast and extending about 900 km (600 miles), is where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate. The area’s tectonic stresses could lead to a major earthquake approximately every 100 to 150 years. As a result, Japan has prepared for an evacuation of around 1.23 million individuals, representing nearly 10% of the country’s total population.
Last year, Japanese authorities issued a historic megaquake advisory indicating an increased likelihood of a powerful magnitude 9 quake following a magnitude 7.1 tremor near the trough’s edge. This elevated preparedness comes after the catastrophic 2011 earthquake, which resulted in over 15,000 deaths and significant subsequent disasters, including a nuclear meltdown.
Japan’s region is under significant threat from a potential megaquake in the Nankai Trough, with severe predictions of loss of life and economic impact. The government is actively preparing for such scenarios to mitigate risks to the populace and infrastructure. Historical precedents emphasize the urgent need for readiness against seismic disasters in this earthquake-prone nation.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
