Authorities urge evacuation of Akusekijima as over 1 000 earthquakes rattle Tokara Islands, Japan

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Akusekijima at around 16:13 local time (LT) on July 3 at a depth of 20 km (12 miles), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. A quake of the same magnitude was also recorded on July 2.

Akusekijima, home to around 90 people, is part of the Tokara island chain located south of the Kyushu region. Since June 21, the area has experienced 1 031 earthquakes, prompting local authorities to advise residents to leave the island due to heightened seismic activity.

Mayor Kubo Genichiro of Toshima Village in southwestern Kagoshima Prefecture stated on July 3 that residents who wish to evacuate can leave the island on July 4, according to broadcaster NHK.

Arikawa Kazunori, a resident of Akusekijima Island, reported that the earthquake reached an intensity of lower six and that the shaking continued for an extended period.

Arikawa stated that he was outside during the quake and observed that people around him were astonished. He added that many local residents have gathered at an evacuation center.

“Based on the prime minister’s instructions, we are fully committed to disaster response,” said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa. “That includes assessing damage and conducting life-saving rescue operations. We will work closely with local governments to gather information and urgently carry out relief efforts.”

NHK reported that the first evacuation group will depart from Naze Port on Amami Oshima Island, approximately 120 km (75 miles) south of Akusekijima, at 02:00 LT on July 4. They will be transported via a village-operated ferry heading to Kagoshima Port.

The ferry is scheduled to stop at all seven inhabited islands of Toshima Village en route to Kagoshima Port. After arriving at the port on the night of July 4, evacuees will be accommodated at lodging facilities arranged by the village.

Although the region is known for seismic activity, this current series marks the highest number of quakes recorded since 1995. In September 2023, 346 earthquakes of shindo 1 or higher were registered. In December 2021, 308 tremors were logged, including a magnitude 6.1 quake on Akusekijima that registered upper 5 on the shindo scale.

The combined population of the seven inhabited Tokara Islands was 668 as of June 30, according to the Toshima Village Hall website.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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