Japan issues emergency alert for possible major earthquake in the Nankai Trough.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has raised alarms by issuing, for the first time, an alert for "Emergency Information on Nankai Trench Earthquakes - Major Earthquake Warning." This warning not only reflects concerns about a possible seismic event but also calls on residents of the affected regions to prepare for potential evacuation. Although no significant anomalies in seismic activity have been detected, it is recommended that everyone remain on alert for at least one week. The duration of this alert has raised questions and concerns. The reason behind the one-week recommendation is based on scientific studies that consider both citizen health and the impact on social cohesion. Nobuo Fukuwa, emeritus professor at Nagoya University, emphasized that extending the alert beyond this period could have detrimental effects on people's mental and physical health, as well as compromise the continuity of daily activities. For his part, Shinya Tsukada, head of the Earthquake and Volcano Research and Technology Division, stressed that this is not just a simple scientific estimate, but an approach aimed at establishing a limit that is socially acceptable. In his statements, Tsukada urged the public to use this alert as an opportunity to reevaluate their prevention and adaptation measures against seismic risk. The monitored area includes 707 cities and towns across 29 of Japan's 47 prefectures, from Ibaraki to Okinawa. These areas have been designated as "Priority Regions for Disaster Prevention Measures" since 2014, due to the high probability of experiencing earthquakes of intensity 6 or higher, as well as tsunamis that could exceed 3 meters in height. According to government projections, a significant earthquake in this extensive region could result in catastrophic damage. The possibility of a quake reaching intensity 7 is real, and areas stretching from Shizuoka to Miyazaki would be severely affected. In terms of tsunamis, estimates suggest that waves of up to 34 meters could arise, reaching the coasts just minutes after the seismic event. The history of the region is no less alarming. The devastating Nankai earthquake of 1946, which reached a magnitude of 8, and the Tonankai earthquake of 1944, which had a magnitude of 7.9, are remembered. These events have occurred in cycles of 100 to 150 years, raising increasing concern about the likelihood of a new major earthquake on the horizon. Naoshi Hirata, emeritus professor at the University of Tokyo, has drawn attention to a recent 7.1 magnitude quake that occurred in the western part of the subduction zone. Hirata warns that this tremor could be a precursor to a larger seismic event, adding more weight to the need to intensify prevention and preparedness measures throughout the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency's warning not only focuses on the imminent threat of a major earthquake but also seeks to promote a culture of disaster preparedness. The importance of being prepared is not limited to authorities; every citizen plays a crucial role in building a resilient society. Experts agree that preparation is key to mitigating the effects of an impending disaster. Recommendations range from creating family evacuation plans to training in first aid, as well as properly identifying escape routes and safe shelters. Awareness and education are fundamental tools to empower the population in the face of the uncertainty brought by these natural phenomena. With its eyes on the Nankai Trench, Japan finds itself at a crossroads where history, science, and society intertwine. The threat of a major earthquake is not just a topic of discussion among scientists and authorities; it is a call to collective action to safeguard the lives and well-being of millions of citizens. Preparation is the best defense, and the time to act is now.