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Nurshahiylia Sidin
Japan’s government has warned that up to 199,000 people could die if a massive earthquake triggers a major tsunami along the Japan and Chishima trenches, a threat experts say is growing more imminent following a strong quake off Aomori Prefecture earlier this month, according to Japanese media.
In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a “subsequent earthquake advisory" noting that the likelihood of a megaquake in the same region had risen, The Mainichi Shimbun reported.
The advisory covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures, urging residents to stay vigilant, prepare for possible evacuation and review safety measures while continuing daily activities.
The JMA also emphasised that globally, after a magnitude-7 or greater earthquake, a magnitude-8 or above event follows “in roughly one out of every 100 cases”.
In this zone, the Pacific Plate beneath Japan forms two trenches, the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench, which have both been responsible for many significant quakes over the years.
The government’s Central Disaster Management Council has long warned that a megaquake and mega-tsunami along the Japan or Chishima trenches could be catastrophic.
According to the Japan News, a maximum-class tsunami has occurred at intervals of about 300-400 years. The most recent occurrence is thought to have occurred in the 17th century. Experts believe a maximum-class earthquake and tsunami are imminent.
The council stressed that fatalities could be reduced by 80 per cent if people are able to reach higher ground promptly.
Proper cold-weather preparation could also “virtually eliminate” hypothermia-related deaths.
The government is now being urged to better communicate the significance of the advisory system, bolster efforts against misinformation, and strengthen their emergency response frameworks.
Local governments are also being asked to review evacuation centre readiness, particularly in ageing and depopulated areas where vulnerable residents may reaquire assistance.
Japan warns up to 199,000 could die in tsunami following 'maximum-class' earthquake
They have long warned that that a megaquake and mega-tsunami along the Japan or Chishima trenches could be catastrophic.Nurshahiylia Sidin
December 12, 2025, 09:24 AM
Japan’s government has warned that up to 199,000 people could die if a massive earthquake triggers a major tsunami along the Japan and Chishima trenches, a threat experts say is growing more imminent following a strong quake off Aomori Prefecture earlier this month, according to Japanese media.
Fresh concerns after 7.5 magnitude earthquake
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture on Dec. 8, registering an upper 6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale.In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a “subsequent earthquake advisory" noting that the likelihood of a megaquake in the same region had risen, The Mainichi Shimbun reported.
It is the first time since the advisory system was introduced in 2022 that JMA has issued such a warningThe advisory covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures, urging residents to stay vigilant, prepare for possible evacuation and review safety measures while continuing daily activities.
The JMA also emphasised that globally, after a magnitude-7 or greater earthquake, a magnitude-8 or above event follows “in roughly one out of every 100 cases”.
Possibility of major tsunami
A megaquake in the area could set off tsunamis impacting Japan’s Pacific coastline from Hokkaido down to Chiba Prefecture.In this zone, the Pacific Plate beneath Japan forms two trenches, the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench, which have both been responsible for many significant quakes over the years.
The government’s Central Disaster Management Council has long warned that a megaquake and mega-tsunami along the Japan or Chishima trenches could be catastrophic.
According to the council’s past projections, a Japan Trench magnitude-9 quake and tsunami striking on a late winter night could cause 199,000 deaths, reported Yomiuri Shimbun.According to the Japan News, a maximum-class tsunami has occurred at intervals of about 300-400 years. The most recent occurrence is thought to have occurred in the 17th century. Experts believe a maximum-class earthquake and tsunami are imminent.
A similar event along the Chishima Trench could kill 100,000.Advisory aims to prevent complacency
With harsh winter weather already setting in, authorities say preparations must be thorough.The council stressed that fatalities could be reduced by 80 per cent if people are able to reach higher ground promptly.
Proper cold-weather preparation could also “virtually eliminate” hypothermia-related deaths.
Individuals are encouraged to keep cash and identification with them, double-check emergency supplies, and secure furniture in case aftershocks grow stronger, according to The Mainichi Shimbun.The government is now being urged to better communicate the significance of the advisory system, bolster efforts against misinformation, and strengthen their emergency response frameworks.
Local governments are also being asked to review evacuation centre readiness, particularly in ageing and depopulated areas where vulnerable residents may reaquire assistance.
