Kishida cancels trip to Central Asia due to alert of a possible major earthquake in Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced last Friday the cancellation of a trip to Central Asia, scheduled for next week, after receiving alerts from seismologists about the possibility of a "major earthquake" in Japan. This decision comes after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook the island of Kyushu, in the south of the country, the previous day, leaving eight people injured. Kishida, who intended to attend a regional summit in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, explained that his priority is the safety of Japanese citizens, indicating that he will remain in the country for at least a week. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) made the unusual decision to issue a warning, marking the first time a new warning system established after the devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake in 2011 was used, which triggered a tsunami and a nuclear disaster in Fukushima. The JMA noted that the likelihood of another strong earthquake has increased, although it cannot be stated with certainty that it will happen. This warning has left many residents on alert and concerned for the safety of their families and communities. Images from the NHK television network showed traffic lights swaying in Miyazaki Prefecture, where the tremor was notable. However, despite the intensity of the earthquake, no significant damage was reported, a testament to the effectiveness of Japan's strict building codes, which have been implemented to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters. These regulations have allowed for relatively minor damage despite the frequency of earthquakes. Japan, located in a complex geological setting, experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes each year, of which a small percentage are of great magnitude. Despite the constant threat they pose, many of these quakes are mild, and infrastructure is designed to withstand seismic events. Nevertheless, the government has warned that there is a 70% probability of a major earthquake occurring in the next 30 years, which could cause significant damage and endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Experts point out that while it is impossible to predict earthquakes, the occurrence of one can increase the likelihood of another. This fact has been evidenced by Japan's recent history, where earthquakes are a part of daily life. For example, on New Year's Day 2023, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, resulting in the tragic death of over 260 people, many of whom died due to the collapse of old buildings. Concerns about seismic safety are not new in Japan. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which destroyed Tokyo, remains a vivid reminder of the country's vulnerability to such disasters. Currently, the Japanese government continues to implement emergency drills and awareness programs to prepare the population for a possible major earthquake. The 2011 earthquake, which resulted in a devastating toll of approximately 18,500 people dead or missing, is a constant reminder of nature's destructive potential. This event not only triggered a humanitarian crisis but also had economic and social repercussions that the country still faces. The Fukushima nuclear plant is a clear example of how a natural disaster can unleash a series of problems that go beyond the immediate aftermath. In the current context, Kishida's decision to cancel his trip aligns with the Japanese government's proactive approach to crisis management. His commitment to remain in the country during this critical time reflects the significant responsibility he bears as a leader in ensuring the safety and well-being of his nation. As Japan continues to navigate the reality of living in a seismically active zone, the lessons of the past are crucial. Preparedness and resilience are key to facing the challenges posed by nature, and Japan's focus on safe construction and emergency preparedness serves as a model for the world. The recent seismic alert serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of always being prepared for the unexpected.