https://youtu.be/LxX5Uc3cK90
On January 13, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck southwestern Japan near the Nankai Trough region, with its epicenter in the Hyuga-Nada Sea. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a brief tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures, which was later lifted.
Despite the quake’s strength, only minor injuries and disruptions were reported. A man in Kyushu sustained slight injuries, and train services in Miyazaki were temporarily halted. The JMA identified the earthquake as a reverse fault type, caused by stress at the boundary of the Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates.
The Nankai Trough is a critical seismic zone with a history of megaquakes occurring every 100-150 years. Experts estimate a 70-80% probability of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake in the region within the next 30 years. Following a similar earthquake in August 2024, the JMA had issued an advisory on the heightened risk of a megaquake.
While no immediate measures related to the trough were necessary, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents in the area have been advised to remain cautious and prepared for potential aftershocks.