Preparing for a “Nankai Trough” Quake
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has raised alarms about the likelihood of a major earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough, an area historically prone to significant seismic events every 100 to 150 years. This warning follows a recent earthquake in the Hyuganada Sea that registered a maximum of 6-minus on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, prompting the Japanese Meteorological Agency to issue its first-ever mega-earthquake advisory. In response, the TMG has established a disaster countermeasures headquarters and is mobilizing resources to prepare for potential disasters. Governor Koike Yuriko has advised citizens to take immediate action by stockpiling essential supplies and formulating evacuation strategies, especially for those in island regions. The estimated impact on metropolitan Tokyo includes a death toll of 953 and damage to over 1,200 buildings.
Moreover, tsunami forecasts indicate that certain areas could see waves as high as 28 meters, necessitating urgent preparedness measures. This announcement underscores the importance of disaster readiness in a city that has faced prior seismic challenges. As Tokyo braces for possible aftershocks, the government continues to prioritize the safety and security of its residents.