The Tokara Islands in Japan Experience 900 Earthquakes Within Fortnight

More than 900 earthquakes have struck a remote island chain in southern Japan over the past two weeks, leaving residents unable to sleep and on edge, according to the country’s weather agency. Although no major damage has been reported, the Japan Meteorological Agency has stated that it is uncertain when the quakes will cease. The agency’s director, Ayataka Ebita, noted at an emergency news conference that seismic activity around the Tokara island chain has been particularly active since June 21, following a magnitude 5.5 quake. The Tokara village reported that the ongoing tremors are exhausting residents, with some contemplating evacuation. The number of daily quakes peaked at 183 on June 23, then fluctuated before stabilising. Japan, known for its seismic activity due to its position on major tectonic plates, regularly experiences thousands of tremors annually. However, a significant quake on the Noto Peninsula in early 2024 and the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster, highlight the country’s vulnerability. The government has increased the probability of a major earthquake hitting the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years and is advocating for better disaster preparedness measures.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/03/japan-earthquake-tokara-islands-900-earthquakes-two-weeks