Number of earthquakes Last night there was an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of less than 5 in Ishikawa Prefecture Be careful of earthquakes with a seismic intensity of less than 5 for about a week.
In the past week, 82 earthquakes occurred with a seismic intensity of 1 or higher. Last night (the 26th), an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 5 lower was observed in Ishikawa Prefecture, with its epicenter off the west coast of Ishikawa Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency is asking areas with strong shaking to be on alert for an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 5-below for about a week after the earthquake.
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 20 to 9:00 on November 27), 82 earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 1 or higher were observed, of which 10 were earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 3 or higher.
Last night there was an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of less than 5 in Ishikawa Prefecture Avoid earthquakes with a maximum seismic intensity of less than 5 for about a week.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, this earthquake is considered to be part of a series of seismic activities known as the 2020 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. In addition, in past cases, 10 to 20% of earthquakes of this magnitude have occurred same after a large earthquake, so in areas with strong shaking, it is possible to experience an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of about 5 lower for about a week. after the earthquake. Especially in the coming days, large earthquakes are likely to occur. In addition, seismic activity in this area has continued for about four years, including the M7.6 earthquake that occurred on January 1 of this year, and is expected to continue for the time being. Earthquakes with strong tremors and tsunamis are likely to continue to occur in and around the active area after the M7.6 earthquake.
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 it doesn’t block the path. Also, make sure to take thorough safety measures in your home on a daily basis, such as applying shatterproof film to glass.
Discuss in advance at home the means of communication and the meeting place in the event of an earthquake.
Make sure there are no dangerous places or things on the roads you usually take. In addition, landslides may occur in places where the ground is weak or the ground has been loosened by an earthquake caused by rain. Check your environment beforehand.
If a major earthquake occurs
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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Interview Series: Understanding Earthquakes with Dr. Yuki Tanaka, Seismology Expert
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Tanaka, and thank you for joining us today. It’s likely most of our readers have felt the tremors from the recent earthquakes in Ishikawa Prefecture. Can you summarize what happened last night?
Dr. Tanaka: Good morning! Yes, certainly. Last night, we experienced a magnitude 6.6 earthquake off the west coast of Ishikawa Prefecture. While the maximum seismic intensity observed was less than 5, it still had noticeable effects in nearby areas such as Wajima City and Shiga Town. This incident is significant, as it fits into the ongoing seismic activity that has been seen in this region over the past few years.
Editor: That’s quite alarming. The article mentions that 82 earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 1 or higher were recorded in the last week alone. What does this frequency of seismic activity imply for the residents in Ishikawa?
Dr. Tanaka: This frequency suggests that the region is currently under a heightened risk of seismic events. Specifically, after a larger earthquake, there’s a probability of experiencing aftershocks or related earthquakes. Based on past data, it’s estimated that about 10 to 20% of earthquakes of similar magnitude tend to follow in the week after a major quake. Thus, the Japan Meteorological Agency has advised that residents remain alert and cautious, especially given the cumulative seismic activity over the last four years.
Editor: What specific precautions should individuals take in light of this ongoing risk?
Dr. Tanaka: Preparing for earthquakes is crucial. Residents should ensure they have an emergency kit stocked with water, food, and essential items. It’s also wise to secure heavy furniture to prevent injuries if it falls. Discussions about communication plans and meet-up locations in case of emergencies should be made among family members. It’s vital for people to inspect their surroundings for potential hazards that could arise from landslides or falling debris, especially if rain has weakened the soil.
Editor: Could you elaborate on what immediate actions someone should take during an earthquake?
Dr. Tanaka: Absolutely. First, remain calm and protect your head by taking cover under sturdy furniture, like a desk or table. It’s important not to rush outside, as that can expose you to dangers like falling debris. If you’re in a crowded place, stay where you are until the shaking stops. Once it’s safe, assess your surroundings and make sure evacuation routes are clear, especially if you’re in a building or an elevator.
Editor: That’s very helpful, Dr. Tanaka. As we’ve discussed, earthquakes are unpredictable, but is there any way to mitigate their impact on communities?
Dr. Tanaka: Yes, there are systemic approaches to mitigation. Governments can invest in earthquake-resistant infrastructure, which is critical for minimizing damage during seismic events. Public education programs about emergency preparedness can empower communities to respond effectively. Moreover, ongoing research into seismic patterns can provide insight into future risks, enabling better planning.
Editor: Thank you for your insights today, Dr. Tanaka. It’s evident that knowledge and preparation can significantly enhance safety during unprecedented circumstances.
Dr. Tanaka: It’s been a pleasure. Staying informed and prepared is key to resilience in the face of natural disasters like earthquakes. Thank you for having me!