Japan Evacuates Southwest Islands as Seismic Threat Rises

(MENAFN) Japan took swift action on Thursday, allowing citizens to evacuate the southwest islands following a surge in seismic activity. Mayor Kubo Genichiro of Toshima village in Kagoshima's southwestern region confirmed that villagers eager to leave could begin evacuating on Friday, as reported by media.

This decision follows a powerful 5.5-magnitude earthquake that struck the Tokara Islands, part of the Kagoshima province, after more than 1,000 tremors rocked the region over the past two weeks. A news outlet highlighted that the area has been rattled by a series of quakes, ranging from a low magnitude of 1 to several tremors exceeding 5 in strength. Monday and Wednesday also saw notable quakes with magnitudes below 5.

The Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory issued a warning, urging residents to remain on high alert due to ongoing seismic activity. In addition to the quakes, the Shinmoedake volcano, located in Kagoshima, erupted on Thursday, sending plumes of smoke up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) into the sky. Media reported that Kirishima and Kobayashi cities could be heavily impacted by volcanic fallout. The eruption marked the volcano's second significant event in just over a month, following its first eruption in seven years.

Elsewhere in the Pacific, Indonesia elevated the alert level for the southern Ile Lewotolok volcano on Thursday, raising it from level 2 to 3, according to media. The volcano has experienced a marked increase in activity since June 27, though the highest alert remains level 4.

Both countries' authorities continue to monitor the escalating risks from these natural disasters.

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