Over 900 Earthquakes Rock Southern Japan Island Chain

A remote island chain located in southern Japan has experienced a significant surge in seismic activity. Over the past two weeks, the area has been struck by more than 900 earthquakes, according to the weather agency. Residents of the Tokara island chain have reported difficulties sleeping due to the constant tremors.

Despite the high frequency of quakes, no major damage has been reported. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) held an emergency news conference following a magnitude 5.5 earthquake that occurred around 3:30 pm local time. The epicenter was located in the Tokara island chain, south of the Kyushu region.

The JMA's earthquake and tsunami observation division director confirmed that seismic activity has been particularly intense in the seas surrounding the Tokara island chain since June 21. As of the time of the news conference, the number of recorded earthquakes had surpassed 900. The agency stated that it was unable to predict when the seismic activity would subside.

The local Tokara village reported on its website that residents were experiencing sleep deprivation and fatigue. One resident described the constant shaking as frightening, while another expressed concern about the possibility of evacuation for their children.

The JMA noted that a similar period of heightened seismic activity occurred in the Tokara area in September 2023, during which 346 earthquakes were recorded. The Tokara Islands consist of 12 islands, with seven being inhabited. The total population of these inhabited islands is approximately 700 residents.

Japan is situated in a seismically active region, positioned on top of four major tectonic plates along the Pacific "Ring of Fire." The country experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for about 18% of the world's total. While most of these earthquakes are mild, the damage they cause varies depending on their location and depth. A major earthquake on the Noto Peninsula in central Japan on New Year's Day 2024 resulted in nearly 600 fatalities.