Megaquake Fears Rise as Experts Reveal More Than 300,000 People Could Die From Forecasted Quake

By: Julia Mehalko | Published: Aug 15, 2024

Authorities in Japan have forecasted that there is now a higher chance the country could experience a very rare — and very dangerous — megaquake.

This megaquake advisory was issued after a 7.1 magnitude quake hit the earthquake-prone country. However, now this warning has concerned many Japanese residents, especially after they learned that researchers found that more than 300,000 people could die from this extreme event.

The First Earthquake

Last week, Japan experienced a 7.1 magnitude quake off the coast of Kyushu on the southern main island.

A view of an old building and mountain in Japan.

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This earthquake didn’t cause any major damage to any buildings or roads. No major injuries were also reported. However, Japanese residents were shocked when authorities came out with a never-before-issued warning after this earthquake subsided.

The Threat of a Tsunami — and a Megaquake

At first, authorities explained parts of Japan were now under threat of a potential tsunami, which made sense to many.

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However, when officials also issued a megaquake advisory, explaining that there was now a higher chance that a massive and extreme quake may rattle Japan, many were completely shocked.

Will a Megaquake Happen Soon?

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, this warning doesn’t necessarily mean that a megaquake will 100% happen soon.

A view of many cars and people on a street in Japan.

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Instead, this advisory simply means that there is now a “higher than normal” chance that an incredibly strong earthquake may occur in the next 30 years. This megaquake will stem from the Nankai Trough, and there is a 70-80% chance it will be 8 or 9 magnitude.

Where Will This Megaquake Occur?

Officials have also come out to explain to locals that they have no ability to understand when or where this megaquake will occur.

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Authorities have issued this warning to help people remain alert, pay attention to the news and weather officials in the future, and be prepared for a potentially catastrophic quake.

A Catastrophic Situation

Many locals have become incredibly alarmed by this warning, which has never been issued in Japan before. Even more concerning is the research that has been done in the past about how catastrophic a megaquake could be to the entire country.

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A government disaster prevention team did research in 2013 on a potential megaquake — and found that hundreds of thousands of people could die within minutes.

More Than 300,000 Deaths in Mere Minutes

According to this team, a potential 9.1 magnitude earthquake from the Nankai Trough could end up producing a tsunami that reaches more than 33 feet — within minutes.

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This then could end up killing up to 323,000 people in Japan, as well as destroying more than 2 million buildings in the country. Economically, the damage would reach more than $1.5 trillion.

Japan’s Next Steps

After this warning was issued, government officials and emergency services got to work ensuring they were up to date on all safety and response plans.

Many people walking with umbrellas on a Japanese street.

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The Fire and Disaster Management Agency also instructed the 707 municipalities that could be threatened by the Nankai Trough to review their evacuation plans.

Getting Emergency Supplies

Government officials have also told people to stay calm — yet also get any emergency supplies, such as food and water, to prepare for this possibility.

People standing in line at a store in Japan.

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Officials have also asked the public to discuss potential evacuation plans with all of their family members now, so everyone understands what they must do if this catastrophic event does occur.

A Rush on Food

Expectedly, this megaquake warning quickly led to many people rushing to buy emergency supplies and items, particularly water and food.

A close-up of fruit at a market in Japan.

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Many shops and stores, unclear on what exactly they should do, have often limited customers to only buying one item of certain popular products, such as microwavable rice.

A Huge Impact on Japan

This megaquake advisory has already had a huge impact on Japan, as some public gatherings and concerts have been canceled, while many tourists have canceled trips to popular destinations within the country.

A bird’s eye view of a boat, body of water, bridge, and tall buildings in Japan at night.

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Rail companies have even changed how they operate, as they are now going at a slightly reduced speed. This has been decided as a precaution.

Japan’s Last Nankai Trough Quake

The last earthquake that stemmed from the Nankai Trough occurred in 1946 off Shikoku.

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According to data, this quake was 8.0 in magnitude and ended up killing more than 1,300 people in the country.