A series of more than 470 consecutive earthquakes has struck Japan’s southern Tokara Islands since Saturday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced on Monday.
The tremors, each measuring at least one on the Richter scale, have been lightly felt by residents and have not caused significant damage so far. The two strongest quakes during this period registered a magnitude of 5.1, occurring on Sunday and Tuesday. The JMA has warned residents to remain vigilant, noting that seismic activity in the area has been elevated, with similar periods observed in the past.
The Tokara Islands comprise 12 islands, seven of which are inhabited by approximately 700 residents. Some islands feature active volcanoes and are connected by ferries in good weather. Japan is one of the most seismically active regions globally due due to its location at the intersection of four tectonic plates.
In January 2024, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula, causing 470 casualties, serving as a stark reminder of the significant seismic risk in the region.
