Tokyo, Japan – The Japanese government has lifted its week-long megaquake warning, but warned citizens that the threat of a major earthquake remains. The alert, issued last Thursday, had prompted thousands to cancel holidays and stock up on essentials, leading to bare shelves in some stores.
Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura announced the lifting of the warning, citing no significant changes in seismic activity or crustal deformation. However, he emphasized that the possibility of a major earthquake has not been eliminated and urged citizens to remain prepared.
The initial warning was issued after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake injured 14 people and raised concerns about a potential subduction megathrust quake, which could unleash colossal tsunamis. The Nankai Trough subduction zone, where massive earthquakes have occurred in the past, remains a concern.
Experts estimate a 70% probability of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, potentially claiming 300,000 lives and causing $13 trillion in damage.
The Japan Meteorological Association (JMA) warning was the first issued under new rules established after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that left 18,500 people dead or missing.
While the warning has been lifted, the government continues to stress the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of potential seismic activity.
