A Japanese study found that the locked zone in the Nankai Trough, where tectonic plates merge and stress builds, is not permanent but changes over time. This discovery by the University of Tokyo and the Japanese coastguard complicates the prediction of megaquakes and tsunamis along Japan's Pacific coast.
A survey by the Japan Car Sharing Association estimates over 2 million cars could be damaged by tsunamis from a Nankai Trough megaquake, five times the number in 2011. The government warns of a 60-90% chance of such an earthquake within 30 years.
Japan's meteorological agency issued a special advisory warning of a slightly elevated risk of a magnitude 8 or stronger earthquake in the coming days following a 7.1 magnitude quake, with a 1% probability compared to the normal 0.1%. The warning came just days after Indonesia's BMKG issued similar alerts about the risk of a magnitude 9.0 megathrust earthquake hitting Bali, Sumba and the Flores Islands.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of an increased risk of a megaquake near the Chishima and Japan Trenches. While the probability remains low at 1 per cent, officials are urging residents to review earthquake preparedness measures.
