Concern in Japan over a possible megathrust earthquake drives preventive measures on social media.

Concern about a possible megathrust earthquake in Japan has led many of its residents to take preventive measures, and one of the most prominent voices in this situation has been that of Mexican TikToker @zuleizao_. Through her TikTok account, Zulei has shared her experience and advice on how to prepare for a seismic event of magnitude 9.0, a phenomenon that could have devastating consequences for the island. Last weekend, the Japanese government issued a statement warning about the possibility of a megathrust earthquake. This alert arose after a series of tremors that have shaken the southern part of the country, the most recent being a 7.1 magnitude quake that surprised the population. Since then, seismic activity has occurred almost daily, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among residents. Zulei, who has become a reference for many through her social media content, confessed that she had never considered the idea of preparing for a megathrust earthquake before. However, the frequency of the tremors led her to change her mind. In her videos, she explained in detail what she has decided to include in her emergency backpack, inspiring others to do the same. “I wasn’t worried until we started experiencing tremors almost daily. We need to be prepared for anything, and may God bless us,” commented the TikToker. The response from the online community was swift. Many of her followers expressed their thoughts in the comments section, some thanking her for her advice and others sharing their own preparation plans. This digital conversation has created a supportive space among users who seek to stay informed and ready for any eventuality. Despite the seriousness of the message issued by the authorities, not all residents of Japan have reacted in the same way. While some have decided to take action and stock up on supplies, others have chosen to remain calm. However, panic has begun to cause shortages of products in supermarkets, especially bottled water, leading some stores to implement rationing. Meteorologists have been clear in their warning: there is no estimated date for the occurrence of the megathrust earthquake, which increases the uncertainty. This lack of a specific timeline could make the population feel more vulnerable, but it has also served as a preventive exercise that many are taking seriously. Authorities have urged citizens to prepare, regardless of when the disaster might occur. The situation has sparked global interest, as Japan is a country that has developed a culture of preparedness for natural disasters. Zulei's experience and the response from her followers reflect how social media can be a useful tool for education and awareness in times of crisis. Her content has served as a catalyst for others to also consider their emergency plans. It is interesting to observe how the TikTok community has reacted to the government’s warning. The platform has allowed information to spread quickly and for people to stay connected, sharing not only practical advice but also emotional support at a time when uncertainty can be overwhelming. Meanwhile, the Japanese government continues to emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness, reminding the population that safety is a shared responsibility. Zulei's story could be just one example of many who are taking measures to protect themselves, but it is undoubtedly a reminder that when it comes to nature, the best strategy remains prevention. Thus, Japan once again faces the possibility of a devastating earthquake, but the community, both in the country and abroad, is demonstrating that information and preparation are the best weapons against uncertainty.