Over 900 earthquakes have rattled the remote Tokara Islands in southern Japan over the past two weeks, causing anxiety among residents. The seismic activity has been described as “very active,” with a significant 5.5 magnitude quake on June 21. Although there have been no reports of damage or tsunami warnings, officials urge residents to prepare for potential evacuations.
Local residents express fear and fatigue from the consistent tremors, with one noting that sleep has become difficult due to the shaking. The Tokara Islands, which have a small population of about 700 people, lack immediate access to medical facilities, as the closest hospital is a six-hour ferry ride away.
This unusual seismic cluster has led to disruptions in tourism, with local guesthouses halting bookings to serve as potential shelters. Adding to the tension, rumors stemming from a comic book predicting a major earthquake on July 5 have sparked concerns among residents and tourists, leading to an increase in travel cancellations.
Japan, situated in the seismic Pacific Ring, experiences roughly 1,500 earthquakes annually, and while most are mild, the nation remains vigilant about the risks of catastrophic events. Authorities have initiated new disaster preparedness measures, including proposals for levees and evacuation structures, though they acknowledge more needs to be done to ensure public safety.
Source link
