TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s prime minister Fumio Kishida canceled a planned trip to Central Asia on Friday to lead the government’s response after scientists urged people to prepare for a possible “megaquake” off the country’s southern coast.
Japan’s meteorological agency issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” on Thursday, warning of a possible future major earthquake triggered by the underwater Nankai Trough, after a 7.1-magnitude quake shook just off Kyushu island’s east coast earlier in the day. The trough, which runs along Japan’s Pacific coast, was the source of previous devastating earthquakes.
Seismologists at the agency held an emergency meeting after Thursday’s quake to analyze whether it had affected the nearby trough and reassessed the risk of a major quake. They urged people to observe high levels of caution for about a week.
Thursday’s quake injured 16 people, most lightly, and caused no major damage. Tsunami warnings were issued for several areas but were lifted hours later.
Kishida announced that he had canceled his planned trip to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia on August 9-12 as a result of the advisory.
“I have decided to stay in the country at least for about a week to make sure that government measures and communications are fully in place,” Kishida said.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency instructed 707 municipalities designated to be at risk of an earthquake in the Nankai Trough to review their disaster response and evacuation plans.
The Meteorological Agency’s first “megaquake advisory” sparked public concern and prompted local government offices, rail operators and other authorities to begin putting in place precautionary measures, affecting holidaymakers during the “Obon” holiday week.
The popular seaside town of Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture said its four beaches, outdoor hot springs, parks and other facilities will be closed for the next week. An annual fireworks festival scheduled for Saturday was canceled.
Aoshima, another popular seaside resort in Miyazaki prefecture that was hit hardest by Thursday’s earthquake, was also closed.
Rail companies serving the region said their trains will run at slightly reduced speeds as a precaution.