Indian Embassy in Japan issues megaquake advisory following strong earthquakes

The Indian Embassy in Japan has issued an urgent advisory for Indian citizens residing in Japan, following a series of strong earthquakes that struck the country’s southern coast.

The advisory comes after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit on Thursday, raising concerns about the potential for a much larger seismic event, known as a “megaquake,” in the coming days.

The embassy’s advisory, released on Friday, has called for heightened preparedness among Indian nationals in Japan. It urged them to adhere closely to the guidelines set by Japanese authorities and to stay informed by monitoring updates from the embassy’s website and social media channels.

Experts have warned that a “megaquake” could strike Japan in the near future. A megaquake is classified as an earthquake with a magnitude of over 8.0, capable of causing widespread devastation. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued an emergency bulletin specifically regarding the Nankai Trough, a region off Japan’s Pacific coast known for its potential to generate massive earthquakes.

In response to the heightened risk, the Government of Japan has convened a disaster response meeting and declared a state of alert. The government has also called on citizens to reaffirm their earthquake preparedness on a daily basis.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) has taken additional steps to prepare for the possibility of a megaquake. On August 8, TMG established a Disaster Management Headquarters (DMHQ) to coordinate efforts and enhance the city’s preparedness. According to the TMG’s advisory, if a megaquake were to occur, Tokyo could experience seismic intensity of 6 or lower, with the possibility of a tsunami affecting the island areas.

The advisory also outlines specific precautions and preparedness measures that citizens should take, including securing furniture, preparing emergency kits, and familiarising themselves with evacuation routes.

The Indian Embassy in Japan has emphasised that while the advisory is serious, it is intended to boost preparedness rather than incite panic.

The embassy has advised all Indian citizens in Japan to stay alert and adhere strictly to the warnings and instructions issued by both the Government of Japan and local authorities. The embassy has also made the Japanese government’s advisory document available to its citizens, detailing the potential impact and necessary precautions.