The ongoing seismic activity in Japan’s remote Tokara Islands raises alarms about potential volcanic activity as locals face sleepless nights amid constant shaking.
Hundreds of Earthquakes Hit Japan's Tokara Islands, Sparking Concerns
Hundreds of Earthquakes Hit Japan's Tokara Islands, Sparking Concerns
Residents endure over 800 tremors in 11 days, including a significant 5.6-magnitude quake.
Across the last two weeks, the southwestern Tokara Islands of Japan, home to a small population, have been shaken by a staggering number of earthquakes—over 800—surpassing the number of residents. On Wednesday afternoon, a notable 5.6-magnitude quake was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey, contributing to a total of 870 quakes since June 21, as per the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Each quake has registered at least 1.5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, indicating they are significant enough for some individuals to feel. Quakes measuring over 5.0 can displace furniture and pose further risks.
This persistent seismic activity is particularly unusual for an earthquake-prone nation like Japan, deeply unsettling the approximately 600 residents who inhabit these islands. Formed by undersea volcanic activity, the Tokara Islands are also popular for their natural hot springs, drawing some tourism. The JMA has not clarified the reasons behind this uptick in earthquakes, but heightened tectonic activity can sometimes signify the emergence of new volcanic formations. Notably, a new island appeared near Iwo Jima two years ago, following weeks of undersea volcanic eruptions.
Despite Japan’s established disaster preparedness due to frequent seismic events, the remote geography of the Tokara Islands complicates emergency responses. Helicopters are required to facilitate timely aid, as reaching Nakanoshima, the islands' largest landmass, takes over six hours by ferry. Residents of Akusekijima, one of the islands, reported to The Asahi Shimbun that their sleep has been disrupted since the seismic disturbances began. While the JMA assured locals that there is currently no tsunami threat, they cautioned about the risks of rockfalls and landslides.
This persistent seismic activity is particularly unusual for an earthquake-prone nation like Japan, deeply unsettling the approximately 600 residents who inhabit these islands. Formed by undersea volcanic activity, the Tokara Islands are also popular for their natural hot springs, drawing some tourism. The JMA has not clarified the reasons behind this uptick in earthquakes, but heightened tectonic activity can sometimes signify the emergence of new volcanic formations. Notably, a new island appeared near Iwo Jima two years ago, following weeks of undersea volcanic eruptions.
Despite Japan’s established disaster preparedness due to frequent seismic events, the remote geography of the Tokara Islands complicates emergency responses. Helicopters are required to facilitate timely aid, as reaching Nakanoshima, the islands' largest landmass, takes over six hours by ferry. Residents of Akusekijima, one of the islands, reported to The Asahi Shimbun that their sleep has been disrupted since the seismic disturbances began. While the JMA assured locals that there is currently no tsunami threat, they cautioned about the risks of rockfalls and landslides.
