Updated
Updated · NHK WORLD · Jun 26
Japan Panel Urges Quake Readiness After M7.2 Iwate Tremor Hits Upper 6
Updated
Updated · NHK WORLD · Jun 26

Japan Panel Urges Quake Readiness After M7.2 Iwate Tremor Hits Upper 6

3 articles · Updated · NHK WORLD · Jun 26

Summary

  • A Japanese government earthquake panel urged people in northern Japan to prepare after a magnitude 7.2 quake struck off Iwate on Thursday.
  • The committee convened an extraordinary meeting as it said seismic activity is intensifying, with the quake occurring near the western edge of the focal area of a 1994 magnitude 7.6 temblor.
  • Obara Kazushige, the panel's chair, said it is hard to say the latest tremor will trigger a major quake soon, but argued the risk could gradually rise as activity continues.
  • Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture recorded upper 6 on Japan's 0-to-7 seismic intensity scale, underscoring the strength of the shaking in the north.

Insights

Japan is linking volcanic unrest to major earthquakes. Could a volcano predict the next 'big one'?
Japan's quake advisory was missed by a 0.2 margin. Is its high-tech warning system becoming outdated?
As Japan's population ages, can its disaster plans protect increasingly vulnerable and isolated communities?