Japan rattled by quakes near Tokara IslandsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
I am joined by NHK rules Shimakawa Ake. He covers issues surrounding natural disasters. So ASK, what’s happening near the Tokata Islands?
The islands have been hit by a series of earthquakes in a limited area since June 21st. There have been 1,180 earthquakes with an intensity of one or higher. Uh the region uh that’s as of 11:00 a.m. today. The region has experienced extended seismic activity before, but this year is much more pronounced.
Please see this graph. It compares this time to similar periods in the past. The vertical axis shows the cumulative number of quakes. The horizontal axis shows the number of days on which tremors of intensity one or higher occurred. In the past there was a gladial decrease in the number of earthquakes after about five days of seismic activity but this time the graph grows steeply upwards meaning that’s number has been increasing
very concerning for the residents there but why is this kind of earthquake occurring and what’s going to happen next
the area around the irons is a place where earthquake uh earthquakes are likely Um and sea plate on the east side is sinking towards the islands while on the western side lies the Okina trough which is widening but Japan Japan metrical agency says it is unclear why things are so active right now. We interviewed professor Nishimakuya of Kyoto University who is an expert on earthquake mechanisms. This level of seismic activity with tremors shaking the area over such an extended period indicates an unusual external force is being applied. The current activity is likely volcanic in nature and related to something like magma activity. Professor said the earthquakes won’t stop until external factors diminish. So at this stage the prospects for future quake activity are hard to say. Now one of the reasons why these earthquakes are attracting attentions from overseas is the because of the spread of a basis rumor that a major earthquake and tsunami will hit Japan in July. And as you know it’s caused a decrease in travel demand to Japan from Hong Kong and led to reduced flights from there. And the fact that these Toka earthquakes have been occurring just before
that rumor date for the disaster is increasing attention. But you know, is it really possible to predict an earthquake?
Yeah, the world’s prediction and forecast are different with the story around the world just for rumor. Japan metal agency officials spoke about earthquake prediction on Thursday. There are three conditions that would make it possible to predict earthquakes. The time, the place, and the scale. That’s not possible with today’s science and technology. So, the story that’s going around is a false rumor. So, why is this rumor spreading?
Yeah. Siki Nawa, a professor at the University of Tokyo’s graduate school pro an expert in the disaster communication says that emotional factors such as anxiety and high interest have more of an impact on daily communications than scientific correctness. Not spreading rumor is the most important thing. Japan is a country with earthquakes and a ridge one could occur at some point. But just feeling an anxious isn’t good. People should get ready for an earthquakes or tsunamis by checking in advance for dangerous places where injure injuries could occur and finding out where to evacuate. With this kind of preparation, people can feel safe even if an earthquake takes place. Thank you very much. AK and HK rolls Shimakawa AK.
Japan’s remote Tokara island chain has been shaken by over 1000 quakes in the past few weeks. We take a look at why. #japan #kagoshima #earthquake #analysis
More stories on Japan: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/2/
Please subscribe HERE: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPEjw8F2nQDtmUKPFNF7_A?sub_confirmation=1