Key Facts
• July 2: Earthquake near Tokara Islands, Kagoshima, recorded magnitude 5 lower in Toshima Village.
• Over 900 earthquakes of magnitude 1+ recorded in the region since June 21.
• July 1: Cabinet Office revised Nankai Trough Earthquake countermeasure plan after 11 years.
• Kumamoto City and Hikawa Town added to 16 high-risk areas for severe damage.
• Nankai Trough Earthquake has an 80% probability of occurring within 30 years.
• Worst-case scenario estimates: 298,000 deaths, 26,000–52,000 disaster-related fatalities.
• Kumamoto Prefecture now has 12 designated “priority regions” for disaster prevention.
• Newly added areas to develop plans for disaster education and housing seismic reinforcement.
Summary
The Cabinet Office has revised its Nankai Trough Earthquake countermeasure plan for the first time in 11 years, adding Kumamoto City and Hikawa Town to the list of 16 high-risk areas. This decision follows a series of over 900 earthquakes near the Tokara Islands since June 21, raising concerns about seismic activity. Experts clarified that these earthquakes are unrelated to the Nankai Trough Earthquake, which has an 80% probability of occurring within 30 years. The worst-case scenario estimates nearly 300,000 deaths and up to 52,000 disaster-related fatalities. Kumamoto Prefecture now has 12 designated “priority regions,” with newly added areas tasked with creating plans for disaster education and housing seismic reinforcement.
