Image reproduced from 民視新聞網

Recently, Japanese manga artist Ryuju Ryo predicted that a major earthquake could occur on July 5 in his work, "The Future I See." This forecast has raised considerable concern, particularly following nearly 500 earthquakes in just a week in the Tokara Islands off the coast of Kagoshima, prompting local residents to feel anxious.

Seismologist Guo Kaiwen pointed out that Kikaijima Island, located south of the Tokara Islands, has experienced four major earthquakes with a magnitude of 9 over the past 7,000 years, with an average recurrence interval of approximately 1,800 years. Based on his calculations, since the last event occurred about 1,550 years ago, the Ryukyu Trench could face a magnitude 9 earthquake at any moment.

According to reports, Guo explained that the Okinawa trough is divided into three main sections: the northern segment being the Tokara Islands, the central segment including the Ryukyu Islands and Amami Oshima, and the southern segment belonging to Taiwan. Historical records indicate that an 8.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Tokara Islands in 1911, triggering a tsunami that reached 5 meters, primarily affecting the northern end of the Okinawa trough, without impacting Taiwan.

The Japanese authorities are highly concerned about the potential earthquake risks from the Nansei Sea Trench, especially in light of the recent increase in seismic activity in the Tokara Islands. Guo Kaiwen noted that while the Ryukyu Trench and the Nansei Sea Trench are both formed by the Philippine Sea Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate, there is no direct geological linkage between the two, meaning their seismic activities do not trigger each other.

The meteorological agency also reminds citizens of the importance of tsunami evacuation knowledge. With Taiwan frequently experiencing earthquakes, residents often feel uneasy. The Central Weather Bureau's official Facebook page, "Report Earthquake," recently warned that although Taiwan experiences relatively fewer large tsunamis, citizens should remain vigilant. Coastal areas are equipped with tsunami evacuation maps, and residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these locations and routes so they can quickly reach a safe place when a tsunami occurs, typically situated in elevated or structurally sturdy buildings.

The meteorological agency emphasizes that while natural disasters cannot be precisely predicted, preparedness can significantly reduce potential risks and damages. Knowing how to respond to disasters in advance is crucial for protecting oneself and others in times of crisis.