By Natalia Rueda 
Possible devastation
In an unprecedented move, the Japan Meteorological Agency has for the first time issued a warning indicating higher than usual risks of a potentially catastrophic earthquake, often referred to as a “megaquake.” This follows a major 7.1 magnitude tremor that struck Japan on Thursday, revealing the ever-present seismic dangers in the region. Japan, already known for experiencing a high level of seismic activity, is currently on high alert. This could potentially affect a significant portion of Japan’s Pacific coast and put hundreds of thousands of people at risk.
Government response
The Japanese government has responded quickly to this news, cancelling the Prime Minister’s trip to Central Asia and calling on the population to prepare for a possible major earthquake. Attention is particularly focused on the Nankai Trench, an area known for producing some of the most devastating earthquakes in the country’s history.
🇯🇵 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE 🚨
— Diplomat Times (@diplomattimes) August 8, 2024
The earthquake, initially rated at 6.9, has been upgraded to 7.1. Significant damage reported, and the risk of a #tsunami persists. #Miyazaki #earthquake #Japan pic.twitter.com/kpfXiRHdHN
The impact on Tokyo
Further adding to the apprehension, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Tokyo and eastern Japan, just a day after the megaquake warning was issued. While Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Shizuoka and Saitama have received emergency warnings, all 29 prefectures are being advised to prepare for possible seismic activity.
The situation is delicate and uncertainty is high in Japan. The public and the government must be alert and take precautionary measures for the possibility of a major earthquake, and it is important that actions are taken to prevent possible devastation.