A series of earthquakes occurring over about two weeks in the Tokara Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, has exceeded 1,000. On this day, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred. The Korea Meteorological Administration noted that there is no possibility of a tsunami.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Japanese Meteorological Agency, and NHK, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred on the 3rd at around 4:13 p.m. in the waters 275 kilometers south-southwest of Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, near Akkuseki Island in the Tokara Islands.
The epicenter is located at a latitude of 29.30 degrees north and a longitude of 129.50 degrees, with a depth of 20 kilometers.
The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that, in addition to the 5.5 magnitude earthquake, there have been numerous earthquakes with magnitudes below 5.0 in the Tokara Islands. More than 20 quakes occurred during the two hours from 2 p.m.
The day before, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 occurred, resulting in tremors estimated at about a level 5. The earthquake magnitude indicates absolute strength, while the intensity measured by the Japan Meteorological Agency is a relative concept reflecting how people feel the tremors and the shaking of surrounding objects.
The intensity of the magnitude 5.5 earthquake that occurred on this day was recorded as 6 weak. This level can make it difficult for people to stand, and doors may not open. Wall tiles or glass may shatter and fall.
The Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "It is unclear when the earthquakes will end," and urged caution against strong earthquakes for the time being.
In the Tokara Islands, over 300 small earthquakes occurred consecutively in December 2021 and September 2023, respectively. Two faults were responsible for those earthquakes. Earthquake expert Hisayoshi Yokose, a professor at Kumamoto University, explained that this time three faults may be related to the earthquake.
This earthquake is drawing global attention amid rumors that a major earthquake will occur in Japan this July. These rumors have circulated based on content from manga artist Ryo Tatsuki's "The Future I Saw: Complete Edition."
Greater Bay Airlines in Hong Kong has decided to suspend flights connecting Hong Kong with Yonago in Tottori Prefecture and Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture due to the fear of a major earthquake. The number of Hong Kong tourists visiting Japan decreased by 11.2% compared to a year ago in May.
In Japan, the probability of a Nankai megathrust earthquake occurring within the next 30 years is analyzed to be 80%. The Korea Meteorological Administration noted in a press conference the day before that there is likely no correlation between the Nankai megathrust earthquake and the Tokara Islands earthquakes.