Japan’s meteorological agency (JMA) has issued a rare and serious “megaquake advisory” for the Hokkaido-Sanriku coast, urging residents to prepare for an extreme event. This isn’t a prediction, but a high-level warning triggered by a recent 7.5-magnitude earthquake off Aomori. While Monday’s tremor caused only minor damage, the JMA sees a disturbing parallel to the catastrophic 2011 disaster.
The reason for the heightened alert is chilling: the 2011 magnitude 9.0 megaquake, which devastated Fukushima, was preceded by a 7.3-magnitude temblor in the same area just two days earlier. The recent 7.5 quake in a seismically active zone, where the Pacific Plate dives beneath Japan, has ignited fears of a similar precursor to a much larger event – potentially an 8-magnitude quake or stronger.
The stakes are incredibly high. Government estimates for such a megaquake include a devastating 98-foot (30-meter) tsunami, up to 199,000 fatalities, and the destruction of 220,000 structures. The economic fallout could reach nearly $198 billion, with a significant risk of hypothermia for thousands in winter.
Authorities have swiftly asked 182 coastal municipalities, from Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture, to remain vigilant. Residents are urged to keep emergency kits ready and prepare for immediate evacuation. Learning from past, broader alerts that caused panic, this advisory is specifically targeted, aiming to maximize preparedness despite the low (around one percent) probability of such a severe quake. The focus is on readiness, ensuring communities are equipped should the worst-case scenario unfold.
Source: https://zeenews.india.com/world/japan-megaquake-advisory-98-foot-tsunami-risk-m7-5-2994238.html
