The government of Japan has issued a renewed national preparation plan in response to the growing fears of a catastrophic “mega earthquake” that experts believe could cause up to 300,000 lives. The plan, announced on 1 July, outlines a series of updated measures, aimed at minimizing the scope of the devastation in the event of a large seismic event along the Trogolo Nankai.
Growing risk and scientific forecasts
According to recent evaluations by a scientific consultative committee appointed by the government, the probability of a serious earthquake that occurs in the Nankai Troough region within the next 30 years has gone from 75% to 82%.
While identifying the exact time, the position and extent of the earthquakes remains beyond the current scientific skills, the authorities underline the importance of preparation.
Evaluation of past measures and current improvements
A previous action plan developed in 2014 by the Japan central catastrophes management council aimed to reduce the victims related to the earthquake of up to 80%. However, a revision of 2024 revealed that to date only a 20% reduction in the provisions had been reached.
To deal with these deficiencies, the magazine strategy includes:
- Reinforcement of the banks In coastal areas at high risk,
- Construction of new evacuation shelters In vulnerable communities,
- Regular earthquake exercises on large scale conducted at national and municipal level,
- Public education campaigns To sensitize the evacuation protocols and safety measures.
Government leadership and public communication
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized in a cabinet meeting, “It is essential that the nation, local governments, businesses and NGOs work hand in hand to protect life”.
Officials of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) They also dealt with public concerns relating to voices on social media which provide specific earthquake dates. TakesHead of the monitoring of the earthquake and tsunami, declared: “There is no technology to predict the exact times or the intensity of an earthquake. These coincidences should not be exchanged for scientific accuracy.”
Tokara tremor islands: an alarm clock
Between June 21 and July 5, the Tokara island chain in the prefecture of Kagoshima has undergone over 1,300 seismic events that record magnitude 1 or higher. In particular, an earthquake of magnitude 5.4 arrived on July 5, pushing the temporary evacuation of the island of Akusekijima.
Although no accidents or structural damage have been reported, the emergency services have responded quickly. Since then, the residents of the elderly have expressed the intentions to move among the first shocks of settlement, citing the exhaustion and stress.
Public orientation and safety precautions
The jma has issued detailed guidelines for residents in high -risk areas:
- Wear robust footwear in the house to avoid lesions from shattered glass or debris in fall,
- Refrain from cleaning until the shocks of settlement follow each other,
- Avoid old or unstable external structures such as walls or cliffs,
- Prepare the emergency supplies and know the evacuation paths.
Ebit Added, “Given the frequent seismic activity of Japan, we urge all residents to remain informed and prepared at all times. Natural catastrophes can take place without notice and the readiness is our best defense.”
While Japan is on alert, this renewed attention to the preparation for catastrophes underlines the continuous commitment of the country for public safety. The authorities point out that while earthquakes can be inevitable, the loss of widespread life is not, if the communities act now.
