A strong 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit Tokyo

On Monday, January 13, a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan at 9:19 p.m. local time. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the epicenter was located in the Hyuga Nada Sea, off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, at an estimated depth of 36 km. The quake registered a lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7 in Miyazaki, Shintomi, and Takanabe, causing concern among residents. The tremor also temporarily halted sections of the Kyushu Shinkansen, but operators confirmed no irregularities at the Ikata and Sendai nuclear power plants.

Despite the intensity and widespread impact of the earthquake, the JMA stated that it did not significantly increase the likelihood of a megaquake in the Nankai Trough beyond normal levels. Fortunately, authorities reported no immediate injuries or significant damage. Small tsunamis, measuring approximately 20 cm in Miyazaki and 10 cm in Kochi, were observed, but tsunami warnings were lifted shortly afterward. While evacuation was deemed unnecessary, authorities emphasized the importance of enhanced disaster preparedness. Local municipalities opened evacuation centers and advised vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, to remain cautious.

It is worth noting that megaquakes in the Nankai Trough, which runs along Japan's Pacific coast, occur approximately every 100 to 150 years. The most recent events were the Tonankai earthquake in 1944 and the Nankai earthquake in 1946. Government estimates place the probability of a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake in the trough at 70 to 80 percent within the next 30 years.