Since early Saturday morning, Japan’s Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture have been hit by over 200 earthquakes, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The seismic swarm has raised concerns, with experts warning that the activity could continue for several weeks.
The strongest quake so far — a magnitude 5.2 — struck on Sunday around 5 p.m., shaking Akuseki Island with a seismic intensity of shindo 4 on the Japanese scale. While no tsunami has been reported, the frequency and strength of these quakes have led authorities to urge caution.
The JMA reported that tremors began as barely noticeable on Saturday morning but intensified rapidly, especially between Akuseki and Kodakara Island. So far, 3 quakes have registered shindo 4, 15 at shindo 3, and more than 100 at shindo 1 or higher.
“This region has a history of seismic bursts,” said Masashi Kiyomoto from the JMA. Similar earthquake clusters hit the region in December 2021 and September 2023, with up to 346 recorded tremors during the 2023 episode.
Though no undersea volcanoes or active faults have been identified in the area, the quakes are believed to originate within the continental plate at shallow depths.
Authorities emphasize that while past events haven’t caused tsunamis, a stronger quake — magnitude 6 or above — could pose a tsunami risk. The 669 residents of the inhabited islands, especially Akuseki, Kodakara, and Takara, are advised to secure their homes, prepare evacuation plans, and closely monitor updates.
FAQs
Q1: Is it safe to stay on the Tokara Islands right now?
A: While no major damage or tsunami has occurred, authorities are urging residents to remain alert, secure their surroundings, and be ready to evacuate if needed.
Q2: How long will the earthquakes continue?
A: Based on past patterns, elevated seismic activity could continue for up to a month, with the most intense phase typically lasting one to two weeks.
Even without a tsunami, the earth is making waves in Tokara — and locals are staying ready.
