Japan ROCKED by Powerful 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake: Fears of Devastating Tsunami Spark Panic as Country Teeters on Brink of Disaster
- A massive 6.2-magnitude earthquake has struck western Japan, sparking fears of a devastating tsunami that could claim thousands of lives
- The powerful tremor, which measured upper five on Japan’s Shindoscale, caused widespread panic and disruption, with parts of the Shinkansen bullet train network suspended due to a power blackout
- No tsunami warning has been issued, but the country remains on high alert, with the Japanese military conducting an aerial damage assessment to determine the full extent of the destruction
- The quake has brought back haunting memories of the 2011 disaster that killed around 18,500 people, and experts warn that a “megaquake” in the Nankai Trough could kill up to 298,000 people and cause $US2 trillion in damages
The earthquake, which struck at 10:18am local time in Shimane prefecture, was recorded at a shallow depth, sparking fears of widespread destruction and chaos. Although no major damage has been reported, the tremor caused heavy furniture to fall and drivers to struggle with steering, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warning of further aftershocks.
“It was like the whole house was shaking,” said one terrified resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “I was in the kitchen when it happened, and I just grabbed my kids and ran outside. We’re all shaken up, but thankfully, we’re all safe.”
The JMA has confirmed that the same region was hit by smaller quakes with magnitudes of 4.5, 5.1, 3.8, and 5.4, with no tsunami alerts issued. However, the agency has warned that the country remains on high alert, with the Japanese military conducting an aerial damage assessment to determine the full extent of the destruction.
No abnormalities have been detected at the Shimane nuclear plant, according to broadcaster NHK, citing utility company Chugoku Electric. However, the incident has brought back haunting memories of the 2011 disaster that killed around 18,500 people, and experts warn that a “megaquake” in the Nankai Trough could kill up to 298,000 people and cause $US2 trillion in damages.
“Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, and we must always be prepared for the worst,” said a government spokesperson. “We urge everyone to remain calm and to follow the instructions of local authorities. We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
The incident has sparked widespread panic, with many residents taking to social media to share their experiences and express their fears. “I’m so scared,” wrote one Twitter user. “I just want to go home and be with my family. This is terrifying.”
The country’s location on top of four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it prone to powerful earthquakes and tsunamis. The archipelago, home to around 125 million people, experiences around 1500 jolts every year, with the vast majority being mild.