Chinese Embassy Warns Citizens in Japan About Increased Earthquake Risks

On Monday, the Chinese Embassy in Japan disseminated an advisory to its citizens residing in the country, stressing the need for vigilance and precautionary measures in light of a recent Japanese government report. This report, released on March 31, projected that a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough could result in the deaths of as many as 298,000 individuals. Japan is known for its vulnerability to seismic activity and last experienced a notable 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Miyazaki Prefecture in August of the previous year, which had prompted the government to issue a major earthquake alert.

The updated risk assessment indicated that the likelihood of a megaquake occurring within the next three decades has risen from 70 percent to 80 percent. The potential catastrophic quake could extend its impact across a wide region from Okinawa in the west to Fukushima in the east, leading to drastic consequences such as a significant loss of life and potential economic damages amounting to $1.8 trillion. In response, the embassy urged Chinese citizens to stay informed, prepare adequately for emergencies, and exercise caution in making decisions related to travel, studies, or property investments within Japan.

The embassy provided guidance on being proactive in identifying evacuation shelters, which are often essential for accessing basic needs such as food, rest, and communication after a disaster. They advised travelers and residents to familiarize themselves with the locations of these shelters ahead of time and to adhere strictly to local evacuation instructions in the event of an emergency.