“Japan Hit by Nearly 150 Earthquakes in Under 24 Hours: Causes Explored”
On New Year’s Day, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 rattled Japan’s northwestern coast near the Noto Peninsula around 4 p.m. local time. This event resulted in the tragic loss of at least 48 lives and left numerous individuals injured, sparking renewed concerns about the potential for a tsunami reminiscent of the devastating 2011 disaster in the country’s northern region. The quake was part of a series of approximately 150 seismic activities in the area throughout the day. Given Japan’s location in one of the most seismically active regions globally, the entire nation remains susceptible to earthquake impacts. The aftermath included collapsed houses, particularly in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture.
On January 1, a powerful earthquake struck Japan, prompting a tsunami warning along the Sea of Japan coastline and causing significant damage. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially warned of a potential 5-meter tsunami but later lifted all alerts after recording a smaller wave. The quake damaged over 200 structures, disrupted transportation, and left thousands without power and water.
The Japan Meteorological Agency indicates a 20% risk of another large quake in the near future, with frequent aftershocks posing additional threats. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant for potential earthquakes and tsunamis over the next week.
The worst-case scenario involves another large earthquake hitting the northwest, triggering a tsunami similar to the initial warning on January 1. The cluster of quakes is attributed to active faults off the Noto Peninsula, causing compression and upward movement of underground plates in a reverse-type fault mechanism.
Seismic activity in the region has increased since 2018, with over 14,000 small earthquakes reported from November 2020 to February 2023. Fluid movements might be involved, according to government reports. The deadliest quake in the Noto Peninsula in the past century was in 2007.
Japan has a history of devastating earthquakes, with thousands of deaths and extensive infrastructure damage. Notably, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake resulted in around 20,000 deaths and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The country has experienced major earthquakes, such as the 1995 Kobe earthquake and the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.
Japan’s meteorological agency has an earthquake early warning system since 2007, using smartphones to alert residents. However, there have been instances of false alarms, causing concerns. Japanese residents are accustomed to earthquake preparedness, relying on national broadcasters and the internet for information. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized caution against misinformation, and telecommunication failures after earthquakes remain a challenge.