Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has cancelled his planned visit to Central Asia and Mongolia to oversee precautionary measures following an unprecedented earthquake warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency warned of a heightened risk of a major earthquake along Japan’s Pacific coast after a magnitude 7.1 quake struck the southwestern island of Kyushu on Thursday.
Unprecedented Earthquake Warning
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s advisory is the first of its kind, raising concerns about the possibility of a massive earthquake in the Nankai Trough, a deep ocean-floor trench along Japan’s Pacific coast known for triggering enormous tsunamis in the past. While the agency did not provide a specific timeframe for the potential quake or call for immediate evacuations, it urged citizens to be prepared for the possibility.
Kishida’s Response
In a press conference, Prime Minister Kishida announced his decision to remain in Japan for the next week to ensure that preparations and communications are properly coordinated. “I have decided to stay in the country for the next week or so to ensure our preparations and communications are in order,” Kishida said. “But it is the first time it is issued and I believe people would be feeling anxious about it.”
As a result, Kishida cancelled his trip to Central Asia, which was scheduled to include visits to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia from Friday to Monday. The Japanese government is considering holding these meetings online instead, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Background and Implications
The Nankai Trough is a significant seismic zone with a 70% to 80% probability of experiencing a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake within the next 30 years, according to Japan’s infrastructure ministry. The potential for such a quake raises concerns about the devastating impact it could have on Japan, which is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The government’s proactive approach, including Kishida’s decision to stay in the country, reflects the seriousness with which Japan is treating the warning. While the advisory does not guarantee an earthquake will occur, it serves as a reminder of the constant threat posed by seismic activity in the region.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
