Number of earthquakes in the past week: Two earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 4 occurred with the epicenter in Mutsu Bay Be prepared on a daily basis
The number of earthquakes in the past week was 31 with a seismic intensity of 1 or higher. Of these, two earthquakes occurred with a seismic intensity of 4, both of which were centered in Mutsu Bay. Earthquakes strike suddenly. Get ready on a daily basis.
The number of earthquakes in the last week
The figure above on the map shows the epicenters of earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 1 or higher observed across Japan in the past week. In the last seven days (9:00 on November 14 to 9:00 on November 21), 31 earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 1 or higher were observed, of which 7 were earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 3 or higher.
There were two earthquakes with a maximum seismic intensity of 4. Both earthquakes had their epicenter in Mutsu Bay.
At approximately 21:22 on November 16, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake occurred with its epicenter in Mutsu Bay, and a magnitude 4 earthquake was observed in Hiranai Town, Aomori Prefecture. In addition, at approximately 15:40 on November 20, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred with its epicenter in Mutsu Bay, and a seismic intensity of 4 was observed in Hiranai Town, Noheji Town, Yokohama Town, and Sai Village in Aomori Prefecture.
Prepare for earthquakes
Be sure to stock up on water and food in case of emergency, and prepare emergency items to take with you. For stockpiling, please use “rolling stock”, where you only buy more as you use it.
Secure the furniture. In the unlikely event that something falls down, you can be sure by fixing it so
At home, protect your head and evacuate to a safe place, for example under a sturdy desk. Please do not rush outside or try to push the fire out. It is also important to open the door and secure an evacuation route.
In the elevator, stop at the nearest floor and get off immediately.
Be careful of fallen block walls in the city. Also, watch out for signs of falls and broken glass. If you are near a strong building, evacuate inside the building.
Do not rush to reduce your speed while driving. Do not apply brakes suddenly, slow down slowly. Turn on your hazard lights to alert the surrounding cars. If you feel a strong shaking, please stop on the left side of the road.
Be careful of falling rocks and landslides near mountains and cliffs.
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What are the main causes of earthquakes in Japan, particularly in regions like Mutsu Bay?
Interview with Seismologist Dr. Keiko Nishi on Japan’s Recent Earthquakes
Editor of Time.news: Welcome, Dr. Nishi, and thank you for joining us today. The recent earthquakes around Mutsu Bay have drawn significant attention. Can you start by summarizing what happened in the past week?
Dr. Keiko Nishi: Thank you for having me! In the past week, there were a total of 31 recorded earthquakes in Japan with a magnitude of 1 or higher. Most notably, two of these quakes reached a seismic intensity of 4, and both were centered in Mutsu Bay. This region has a history of seismic activity, which makes these events particularly relevant for residents there.
Editor: That’s quite a number of earthquakes in just a week. What were the magnitudes and specific details of those two stronger quakes?
Dr. Nishi: Yes, the two significant earthquakes were as follows: The first was a magnitude 4.6 quake that struck on November 16 at around 21:22, which also impacted Hiranai Town in Aomori Prefecture. The second was stronger, registering at 5.1 magnitude on November 20, occurring around 15:40. It, too, resulted in a seismic intensity of 4, affecting Hiranai Town, Noheji Town, Yokohama Town, and Sai Village.
Editor: These earthquakes certainly have a substantial immediate effect on the population. How can residents prepare for such unpredictable natural events?
Dr. Nishi: Earthquakes can strike at any moment, so preparation is key. I recommend that residents regularly review their emergency plans, ensure they have supplies like water and non-perishable food, and secure heavy furniture to avoid injuries caused by falling objects. Additionally, practicing earthquake drills can help families respond effectively when an earthquake occurs. Tools such as mobile alerts and community awareness programs are also crucial to keep everyone informed.
Editor: That’s excellent advice. It’s important for people to feel empowered in the face of such natural phenomena. Are there any long-term strategies that can help mitigate the impact of future earthquakes, especially in seismically active areas like Mutsu Bay?
Dr. Nishi: Absolutely. Long-term mitigation strategies include reinforcing buildings to ensure they can withstand seismic activity. Moreover, communities can benefit from implementing better land-use planning by avoiding construction in high-risk areas and maintaining open spaces for emergency evacuation routes. Local governments should also invest in public education campaigns to raise awareness and prepare for earthquakes effectively.
Editor: With all the advancements in technology, how accurate are our current earthquake prediction methods?
Dr. Nishi: Earthquake prediction remains a challenge. While we can assess areas that are more likely to experience seismic activity based on historical data and geological conditions, accurately predicting the time and location of an earthquake is still beyond our capabilities. However, ongoing research and technological advancements in seismology are leading toward better monitoring systems, which can provide alerts seconds before significant shaking begins.
Editor: It sounds like there’s hope for progress in this area. what can we do as individuals in response to our understanding of earthquakes and their implications?
Dr. Nishi: Individuals play a vital role in disaster preparedness. By staying informed about natural disasters, participating in community safety programs, and maintaining awareness of emergency procedures, everyone can contribute to a safer environment. Remember, being proactive and prepared can save lives in the event of an earthquake.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nishi. Your insights today are invaluable, and we appreciate your expertise on this critical topic. Let’s hope for a safe and prepared community, regardless of when the next earthquake may strike.
Dr. Nishi: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to spread the message of preparedness together.