Alert of a possible major earthquake in the Nankai Trough is raised today in Japan.

The alert for a potential major earthquake in the Nankai Trough, which was issued on August 8, is scheduled to be lifted today at 5:00 PM, provided there are no significant changes in seismic activity or crustal deformation. This was announced by the Minister of Disaster Management, Yoshifumi Matsumura, who urged the public to stay informed and vigilant, despite recent reports from the Japan Meteorological Agency showing no concerning signs. Since last Thursday, the scientific community and authorities have been on alert for the possibility of a major earthquake in this region. The Nankai Trough is known for its history of seismic activity, and the fear of a megathrust earthquake has been a recurring topic on Japan's disaster prevention agenda. However, the latest data indicates that, as of noon yesterday, no significant changes had been observed that would justify the continuation of the alert. Matsumura emphasized that although the alert will be lifted, vigilance cannot be relaxed. Japan's geography, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, makes it a country prone to earthquakes, which means it is imperative for both the population and authorities to remain attentive to any signs of seismic activity. This reminder is particularly relevant in a country that has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past. The lifting of the alert comes at a time when many citizens feel relieved but also uncertain. The memory of past disasters, such as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, remains present in the collective mind of the Japanese people. Nevertheless, preparation and education on how to respond to an earthquake continue to be crucial elements in the country’s disaster management policy. Authorities have urged the public to maintain preventive behaviors and not let their guard down. Despite the calm that the lifting of the alert may provide, the possibility of an earthquake remains latent. Therefore, drills, reviews of emergency plans, and stockpiling supplies are practices that should continue to be implemented in communities. The Nankai Trough is an area of particular concern, not only because of its seismic history but also due to its potential to generate devastating tsunamis. In fact, research in recent decades has shown that a seismic event in this region could result in a tsunami that would affect numerous coastal towns, underscoring the importance of adequate preparedness. The scientific community continues to closely monitor the area and has developed more sophisticated tools to detect changes in seismic activity. However, the unpredictable behavior of nature means that safety can never be completely guaranteed. For this reason, public education on seismic risks and disaster preparedness is more important than ever. As the alert is lifted, many citizens are wondering how they can contribute to the safety of their families and communities. Local authorities have begun offering workshops and online resources to help the public better understand the risks and the measures they can take to protect themselves. The Japanese government remains committed to prioritizing the safety of its citizens against potential natural disasters. With the lifting of the alert today, it is expected that the population will breathe a little easier, but the most important lesson remains the need to always be prepared and educated for the possibility of a future earthquake. Nature is often unpredictable, and in Japan, where earthquakes are a part of life, preparation is key to resilience.