Japan lifts megaquake alert

Japan has lifted its first-ever Nankai Trough megaquake alert but warns the possibility of a large-scale earthquake remains.

The announcement on August 15 came after no major change in seismic activity or crustal movements was detected off the Miyazaki Prefecture coast during the past week after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says 23 tremors between shindo one and three on the country’s seven-point seismic intensity scale were observed in the Nankai Trough after the August 8 incident, which also triggered a tsunami warning.

After the last one on Monday, no more have been registered, reports the Japan Times.

Experts note the withdrawal of the megaquake alert only means the level of danger might gradually decrease over time but it “doesn’t drop sharply all at once”.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, pictured, Chief Cabinet Secretary, adds: “It is important for everyone to continue securing furniture and checking evacuation sites as part of their regular earthquake preparedness.”