Japan braces for once-in-a-century ‘mega-earthquake’

Japan is bracing itself for a potentially once-in-a-century earthquake.

As earthquakes struck parts of western Japan last Thursday, local and national government authorities sprang into action. Meteorologists gathered and issued a temporary tsunami warning, and a special committee warned of another ‘major earthquake’ potentially striking as early as the following week – a first for the organisation to issue such advice at a national level.

High-speed trains were slowed as a precaution, causing travel delays, and the country’s prime minister canceled his overseas trips.

The Risk of a major earthquake:

While the government eventually lifted most advisories and reported no significant damage from the 7.1-magnitude quake, much of the country remains on high alert, preparing for potential emergencies during the peak summer holiday travel period.

However, some experts have expressed doubts about the necessity and accuracy of such warnings, questioning whether they divert resources from communities considered lower-risk. Japan, situated in the Ring of Fire, is no stranger to severe earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Shoichi Yoshioka, a professor at Kobe University, explains that ‘Japan is located at the boundaries of four tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.’ He adds that ‘about 10% of global earthquakes of magnitude 6 or larger occur in Japan or its surrounding areas.’

Japan is prepared

Despite the low probability, there are no signs of public fatigue from the warnings, with citizens across Japan remaining vigilant, as noted by CNN.

The 2011 disaster left a profound mark on the national psyche, and subsequent major earthquakes every few years have further heightened awareness. Yoshioka observes that ‘every time, we witness the tragic loss of lives, buildings crushed, and tsunamis causing havoc, leaving a lasting impression of fear.’ He attributes this fear as a significant factor in why Japan is so well-prepared.

He adds that ‘the Japanese government also emphasises preparation to avoid another major tragedy like the 2011 earthquake,’ and Japan is widely recognised as a global leader in earthquake preparedness and resilience, from infrastructure and building codes to rescue and relief systems.