Key Facts
• Since June 21, Tokara Islands have experienced daily earthquakes.
• 1,762 earthquakes of magnitude 1+ recorded by July 10, 5:00 PM.
• Akusekijima recorded a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on July 3.
• Kodakarajima experienced a magnitude 5.0 earthquake on July 2.
• 49 residents (70% of Akusekijima’s population) evacuated to Kagoshima City.
• 15 residents from Kodakarajima also evacuated to Kagoshima City.
• Return decision depends on no magnitude 4+ earthquakes for 5 consecutive days.
• Earliest possible return date is July 16, pending conditions.
• Prolonged evacuation causing stress and anxiety among residents.
Summary
The Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture have been experiencing frequent earthquakes since June 21, with over 1,700 recorded. Strong tremors were observed on Akusekijima and Kodakarajima, prompting the evacuation of 64 residents to Kagoshima City. The local mayor plans to decide on July 14 whether residents can return, contingent on no significant earthquakes (magnitude 4 or higher) occurring for five consecutive days. If conditions are met, residents may return as early as July 16. However, the ongoing seismic activity and extended evacuation have caused significant stress for the affected communities.
