Dozens Evacuate Southern Japan Islands After Earthquake Swarm
TOKYO: Dozens of residents have been forced to evacuate remote islands in southern Japan after enduring nearly 1,600 earthquakes in just a few weeks, officials confirmed on Monday. The relentless Japan earthquake swarm has caused widespread anxiety and sleepless nights for locals, even though major structural damage has so far been avoided.
Continuous Quakes Push Akuseki Island Residents to Leave
The worst affected is Akuseki island, home to only 89 residents. Since June 21, the tiny island has experienced what experts describe as a continuous earthquake swarm, with 1,582 tremors recorded as of early Monday. The latest, a magnitude 5.1 quake, struck overnight, shaking nerves further.
According to Genichiro Kubo, the local mayor based on a nearby island, 44 people from Akuseki have already evacuated to Kagoshima city, the nearest regional hub, while 15 residents from another island also left for safety.
Experts Blame Underwater Volcano for Seismic Swarm
Seismologists say the Japan earthquake swarm is likely caused by an underwater volcano and shifting magma beneath the ocean floor. However, they admit they cannot predict how long the quakes will continue or if stronger ones may follow.
“We cannot foresee what might happen in the future. We cannot see when this will end,” Mayor Kubo said during a press conference, highlighting the uncertainty residents are facing.
Previous Quake Swarms and Japan’s Seismic Risk
A similar swarm rattled the region in September 2023, when 346 earthquakes were recorded in the same area, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Japan sits on four major tectonic plates in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and experiences about 1,500 quakes each year — accounting for nearly 18% of the world’s earthquakes.
Rumors and Misinformation Affect Tourism
Despite Japan’s robust disaster preparedness, some foreign tourists have delayed trips due to baseless social media rumors about a massive earthquake predicted for July 5, 2025 — a fear partly fueled by an old manga reissued in 2021.
Officials continue to monitor the Japan earthquake swarm closely while urging residents to stay vigilant and follow safety advisories.
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