More Islanders Flee Akusekijima After Strong Earthquake

On July 4th, the initial group of evacuees from Akusekijima island arrived in Kagoshima city. The decision to leave was prompted by ongoing seismic activity.

Following another powerful earthquake, more residents of Akusekijima island decided to evacuate. The strong tremor, which occurred early on July 5th, registered an upper 5 on the Japanese intensity scale. This event led approximately 20 additional islanders to seek refuge.

The island, part of the remote Tokara chain in southern Japan, has experienced numerous smaller earthquakes in the preceding two weeks. The first group of evacuees, comprising 13 individuals, departed for the mainland on July 4th. The mayor of Toshima, Genichiro Kubo, announced at a press conference in Kagoshima city that an additional 20 islanders were seeking evacuation.

Before the significant quake on July 5th, only two islanders had expressed a desire to leave. The earthquake, which occurred around 6:29 a.m., caused no injuries but served as a catalyst for some residents. A second group of evacuees is scheduled to arrive in Kagoshima city on July 6th.

As of July 5th, the population of Akusekijima, including village officials and police officers, was 59. Ayataka Ebita, from the Japan Meteorological Agency, advised islanders to remain cautious, warning of the potential for another earthquake of a similar intensity. He also clarified that the timing of the quake was coincidental, occurring on a date when social media had predicted a major earthquake. He also noted that Japan experiences approximately 2,000 earthquakes annually.

The evacuees who arrived in Kagoshima city on July 4th expressed relief. The ferry journey to Kagoshima city took about 10 hours, covering approximately 250 kilometers. Mika Arikawa, a member of the first evacuation group, shared that the constant tremors had caused her significant anxiety.