"Earthquake in Japan activates alerts for a possible megathrust earthquake that could affect Chile."

The recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale that shook the southern part of Kyushu Island in Japan has raised alarms in the Asian country, where the government has declared a high-alert status due to the possibility of a megathrust earthquake in the Nankai Trough. This event, which could be devastating, has prompted experts to reflect on its potential repercussions not only in Japan but also in distant places like Chile. In this context, geographer Marcelo Lagos, known for his expertise in seismic phenomena, shared his perspective on the scenarios that could materialize if an event of such magnitude were to occur. Lagos began his remarks by highlighting that, while there is a high probability of a megathrust earthquake occurring in the Nankai region, there is no certainty about when it might happen. "It is not known if it will occur for sure, because it is just a probability," he stated, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for these natural disasters that are difficult to predict. The area in question has been under scrutiny by experts due to the accumulation of tectonic stress that could be released in a major earthquake. The geographer recalled the seismic history of the region, emphasizing the great Valdivia earthquake that took place in 1960. This event, the strongest recorded in history, had a magnitude of 9.5 and extended over a thousand kilometers, generating a tsunami that impacted several coasts around the Pacific, including Hawaii and Japan. "The tsunami reached the shores of Hawaii and killed 61 Hawaiians, and continued to propagate, reaching Japan about 23 hours later and killing around 144 Japanese," Lagos detailed, underscoring the devastating consequences of such phenomena. An important aspect highlighted by Lagos was the evolution of tsunami warning systems in the Pacific. "At that time, there was no Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which was created in 1965 as a result of major earthquakes and tsunamis in the Pacific basin," he recalled. This system has improved communication and preparedness for emergencies, although significant challenges in risk management still exist. The expert suggested that the relationship between Chile and Japan is, in a way, reciprocal. "Just as we send tsunamis to Japan in '60, Japan can also send them to us," he said, emphasizing that a megathrust earthquake in the Nankai Trough could trigger a tsunami that crosses the Pacific Ocean and reaches the Chilean coasts. According to his estimates, this maritime phenomenon could take about 20 hours to arrive at the shores of the South American country. Lagos stressed the importance of Chilean authorities and the general population being informed and prepared for a possible disaster. History has shown that these seismic events do not only impact the nations closest to the epicenter, but that seismic waves and tsunamis can have global effects. "Prevention and education are key to minimizing the impact of these events," he highlighted. Additionally, the expert mentioned that, given the uncertainty of when a megathrust earthquake might occur in Japan, it is essential for coastal communities in Chile to be ready to react effectively and quickly. "It is crucial for the population to know the evacuation routes and understand the importance of having emergency plans," he indicated, stressing that every second counts in disaster situations. Finally, Marcelo Lagos called for action for both governments and citizens to commit to working together to build a culture of prevention. "Nature is unpredictable, but we can be one step ahead in our preparation," he concluded, warning that awareness and education are critical tools for facing the challenges posed by natural phenomena. In a globalized and interconnected world, the possibility of an event in one part of the planet affecting another should not be underestimated, and Chile is no exception.