JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan Thursday, causing significant concern and minor damage in the affected areas. The tremor, which shook the region, led to the issuance of tsunami advisories. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency, a globally recognized authority in earthquake and tsunami monitoring, quickly shifted its focus to a more pressing issue—the Nankai Trough.
The Nankai Trough is a megathrust fault line that poses a significant threat to Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a "Mega Quake" advisory, warning that within the next 20 to 30 years, there is a heightened risk of an earthquake reaching a magnitude of 8 or 9. This is the first advisory of it's kind ever issued in the country. It has put many on edge, particularly those deployed in Japan from the United States.
On Friday, the Kanto Plain region experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake, adding to the growing unease. Caitlyn McDonald, a Jacksonville native stationed in Japan with approximately 100,000 other U.S. military personnel and their families, shared her experience of the quake.
"The actual intensity of the earthquake was much stronger than expected," McDonald said. "You could hear and see our walls moving, our doors shaking, and just things wobbling."
With the threat of even stronger earthquakes, military leadership in Japan is urging personnel and their families to prepare.
"Everyone should seriously consider getting prepared, stocking up on water and essential medications," McDonald added. However, these precautions haven't entirely eased the nerves, especially with many military members currently deployed.
"About a third of the population of our base is currently deployed. So you've got a lot of spouses here without their partner," McDonald explained. "Combine deployment with the possibility of an imminent, unprecedented earthquake, and people are understandably on edge."
When asked what message she would like to convey to those back in Jacksonville, McDonald emphasized the importance of Japan's strict building codes.
"Our buildings are built to a very high earthquake standard," she said. "So we feel safe, but it's still nerve-wracking knowing a major earthquake could hit soon. Personally, I'd rather go through a weaker hurricane or tropical storm. I've been through so many. I know what to expect. We can forecast them beforehand, but with an earthquake, it just happens."