What is “Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information”? What should you do if it’s announced? Former Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency advises: “Thoroughly review your immediate surroundings and preparedness.

On the night of January 13, an earthquake with a maximum intensity of 5 Lower on the Japanese seismic scale struck Miyazaki Prefecture. It was estimated to have a magnitude of 6.9, prompting the announcement of “Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information (Under Investigation).” “Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information” is an alert indicating an increased likelihood of an earthquake occurring across the entire Nankai Trough region. If this alert is issued, what actions should you take? We asked a former Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency. It is predicted that there is a 70% to 80% chance of a large-scale Nankai Trough Earthquake occurring within the next 30 years. Such an earthquake could reach Magnitudes of 8 to 9, with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 on the Japanese scale, and potentially generate a major tsunami along the Pacific coast. In Yamaguchi Prefecture, a maximum intensity of 6+ (on the Japanese scale) could be felt in Yanai City, and seven other cities and towns—including Iwakuni City—could experience tremors of 6 Lower or higher. Tsunami waves could reach a height of up to 3.8 meters. It is estimated that a maximum of 614 people could lose their lives, with 1,477 injured.