On the evening of the 13th, the Miyazaki Prefecture experienced significant seismic activity, registering tremors of up to magnitude 6.9 near the Hinata Nada, which jolted communities across western Japan. Residents reported shaking strong enough to prompt concern, as towns along the coast felt trepidation due to fears of the Nankai Trough earthquake, which is known for its potential to cause catastrophic damage.
Following the earthquake, the government of Tottori Prefecture organized emergency response drills on the 14th to reinforce preparedness measures for the Nankai Trough earthquake scenario. Governor Hirai of Tottori emphasized the scale of these drills, citing the possibility of a massive magnitude 8 quake:
“A Nankai earthquake occurred, measuring over 8 on the Richter scale. This is very large.”
The scenario imagined for these drills included simulated earthquake conditions off the coast of Wakayama Prefecture, predicting intense tremors with tsunami warnings issued. Emergency personnel, including police and self-defense forces, played active roles, aiming to confirm procedures for supporting Tokushima Prefecture, which could bear the brunt of such disasters.
Even as Tottori officials reported no significant damages—despite experiencing tremors classified as 5+—they acknowledged the necessity for continuous information collection and readiness. Video calls placed between Tottori's Governor Hirai and Tokushima's Governor Gotouda revealed discussions on necessary immediate support actions:
“What is the current situation? We are considering sending assistance,” Hirai stated.
Gotouda responded, emphasizing the urgency of resource dispatch: “Please send push-type assistance such as water and food.”
Training exercises continued on the following day, testing airlift capabilities for transporting supplies via Self-Defense Force helicopters.
Community response perspectives were equally illuminating. Residents of Tottori began discussing evacuation routes, food supplies, and emergency plans. Concerns over potential future earthquakes lingered heavily, as many shared worries about the Nankai Trough—responsible for historical devastation.
Local establishments like restaurants also took precautionary measures. Shigaraki Shigeichiro, owner of Sakano Shigaraki, noted damage due to weak defense strategies:
“We prepared with hard clear cases but had suggestive weakness spots.”
According to reports from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the late-night quake recorded tremors of 5- across Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Oita, resulting in injuries to three individuals. An overview of the effects revealed various responses including broken water pipes flooding roadways, and disrupted access to potable water.
Comments from Tottori University's Professor Nakano Shin reiterated the gravity of earthquake preparedness, asserting, “The probability of significant earthquakes occurring within the next 30 years is high. It’s imperative to advance preparedness through daily routines.”
Despite emergency announcements on the situation, JMA concluded no immediate action was necessary, reassuring the public there existed no higher probability of large-scale seismic events than usual. Nevertheless, continued vigilance was stressed:
“While no special actions are needed now, the risk of large earthquakes remains. We must keep our preparations active.”
Local authorities throughout Japan leveraged past experiences to bolster their responses, as seen with Wakayama’s emergency plans reactivated post-earthquake. Concerns echoed among residents, who sought reassurance, and were guided to maintain disaster readiness as they reflected on last August’s threats.
To prepare for potential disasters, community members and hotel operators like Numata Hiromi from Shirahama remarked on the importance of having contingency plans:
“I keep preparedness at the forefront. The actions taken today could save lives tomorrow.”
Endeavors focused on updating evacuation materials and emergency pathways ensured visitors and locals understood their options.
Examining the broader responses, local disaster organizations encouraged proactive daily readiness, as echoed by members like Kakishita Junzo from Shinmiyoshi, who reinforced the value of community education initiatives on emergency actions:
“Past experiences taught us to stay calm and prepared. Efforts to assure supplies and plans remain top priorities,” he stated.
These reflections crystalize the reality for many Japanese experiencing continual seismic threats: preparedness must be woven through daily life, at home and within the community, to cultivate resilience against future natural disasters.