Japan trembles: powerful earthquake shakes Kyushu
The earthquakes were felt in Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, numerous buildings have been damaged
Japan trembles: a powerful earthquake shakes The island of Kyushu in southern Japan has been shaken by a violent earthquake of magnitude 7.1, an earthquake that has put to the test the resilience of a nation accustomed to living with similar natural disasters. The shock, recorded by USGS at 9:43 Italian time (16:42 local time), had a relatively shallow hypocenter, only 20 kilometers deep, greatly amplifying the effects on the surface.
Panic and fear among the population
The impact of the earthquake was immediate and devastating. Buildings shook violently and a sense of panic spread among the population. The tremors were felt particularly strongly in Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, where numerous buildings were damaged.
Tsunami warning and authorities’ response
Immediately after the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning, alerting coastal communities to the potential risk of abnormal waves. Local authorities have activated emergency protocols, inviting people to evacuate low-lying areas and seek refuge in safe places. Despite initial concern, the tsunami threat seems to have receded faster than expected.
The causes of the earthquake
The causes of the Kyushu earthquake are to be found in the complex tectonic plate dynamics that characterize the region. Japan is at the convergence point of several plates, which move relative to each other generating enormous pressures that when released suddenly cause earthquakes.
The consequences of the earthquake
In addition to damage to buildings, the Kyushu earthquake could have long-term consequences for the local economy, especially the tourism sector. In addition, aftershocks over the next few days could cause further damage.
Japan’s resilience
Despite the difficulties, Japan has once again demonstrated its extraordinary capacity to respond to natural disasters. Emergency teams were immediately mobilized to assess the damage and provide assistance to the population. The solidarity and social cohesion of the Japanese are fundamental elements to face the challenges posed by events such as this earthquake.
A warning for the future
The Kyushu earthquake is a strong reminder of the fragility of our planet and the need to invest in seismic risk prevention and mitigation measures. The international scientific community continues to study earthquakes in order to improve our understanding of these phenomena and develop increasingly effective tools for predicting and mitigating their effects.