Japan reported an 80% chance of an earthquake near the island of Honshu

The probability of a powerful earthquake of magnitude 8-9 in the Nankai fault, located to the south-east of the Japanese island of Honshu, has increased to 80%. This was reported on January 16 by TV channel NHK with reference to the government commission for the study of seismic activity.

It is specified that the probability of occurrence is calculated for the next 30 years. Victims of natural phenomenon may become up to 323 thousand local residents. Before that, in 2018, the probability was estimated at 70-80%. According to the commission, the last powerful earthquake of magnitude 8 occurred in the Nankai fault 78 years ago.

In addition, the commission noted the growing probability of strong earthquakes along the Kuril and Japan troughs.

Earlier, on January 13, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck near the Japanese island of Kyushu. Tsunami warning was announced for Kyushu, Shikoku, Amami islands and for areas of Honshu Island after the earthquake. It was specified that the tremors were felt in Osaka.