Japan’s prime minister cancels trip after megaquake warning

The Japan Meteorological Agency Thursday night warned citizens that a major earthquake could hit the country’s southwestern Pacific coast after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook the island of Kyushu. With the elevated risk of a major earthquake, civilians should stay alert for evacuation orders via TV or radio, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said. The quake could hit between a 6.0 and the maximum 7.0 rating on Japan’s Shindo scale, he added. It’s the first time the agency has issued such an earthquake warning of this magnitude. If a major earthquake occurs, strong shaking and large tsunamis would be generated, the warning read.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida opted to postpone a trip to Mongolia and Central Asia on Thursday citing concerns for the megaquake. Kishida will remain in Japan for another week to examine preparedness measures and make sure the government responds properly in the potential aftermath. As it is the first time that such a high warning has been issued, the public may be very anxious, Kishida said.

When is the earthquake expected to hit? The warning does not have a specific timeframe, according to Kishida. It came after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook the eastern coast of Japan’s southernmost large island Kyushu. Officials issued a tsunami advisory along Kyushu in the Hyuganada Sea and predicted waves as high as 3 feet tall. However, concern shifted to a megaquake when the agency recognized a higher risk of tectonic movement along the Nankai Trough.

Dig deeper: Read my report for more details on Thursday’s initial earthquake.