Japan has predicted a potential megaquake that could result in 300,000 deaths and a $2.8 trillion economic loss. This forecast follows a recent earthquake in Myanmar that killed over 2,000 people. Additionally, the U.S. is deploying a disaster relief team to Myanmar, providing $2 million in support despite concerns over the pace of the response.
The government of Japan has made a stark prediction regarding a potential “megaquake,” forecasting that nearly 300,000 people could perish and $2.8 trillion could be lost from the nation’s economy. This announcement follows the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which has already claimed 2,000 lives. The Cabinet Office’s report emphasizes the dire implications of a magnitude 9 earthquake occurring along the Pacific coast, potentially resulting in significant economic damage and loss of life.
The future earthquake is predicted to create widespread devastation, with the Cabinet Office estimating that natural disasters such as tsunamis, building collapses, and fires could cause the deaths of 298,000 individuals and necessitate the evacuation of 1.23 million citizens. Notably, these figures have been revised from a previous estimate made in 2014, highlighting ongoing updates to disaster preparedness assessments for earthquakes along the Nankai Trough.
The Nankai Trough, an 800-kilometer undersea trench, poses significant risks as the Philippine Sea tectonic plate subducts beneath the continental plate. This lateral movement can generate immense pressure, which, when released, results in major earthquakes. The recent forecasts indicate that tsunami-related fatalities could reach 215,000, accompanied by 73,000 deaths from structural collapses and 9,000 from fire. Although these estimates portray a grave situation, they are lower than earlier projections from 2014, which anticipated a death toll exceeding 323,000.
Historical records reveal that catastrophic quakes in the Nankai Trough occur approximately every 100 to 200 years, the latest instance being in 1946. Recent studies indicate that the likelihood of such a megaquake occurring within 30 years is now between 75 and 82 percent. Furthermore, the Japan Meteorological Agency’s introduction of a “megaquake advisory” in August 2022 indicated heightened earthquake risks, confirming concerns following a 7.1 magnitude tremor that affected southern Japan.
In addition to Japan’s concerns, the United States recently announced its commitment to providing aid to Myanmar following a major earthquake that affected the region. A disaster relief team has been dispatched to identify urgent needs and offer essential supplies, including shelter and medical assistance. The United States has pledged $2 million in support to local organizations already on the ground as the nation grapples with the aftermath of an earthquake that has caused significant loss of life.
The response from the United States has been scrutinized, especially in light of recent cuts to the USAID agency. However, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce defended the timeline of the U.S. aid deployment, asserting that the government prioritized addressing Myanmar’s needs upon receiving formal requests for assistance. The international community, including nations like China, Russia, and India, has quickly sent their relief teams to support recovery efforts in Myanmar, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention in the region.
In conclusion, Japan’s government has warned of a potential megaquake with devastating effects, including significant loss of life and economic impact. Meanwhile, the United States is mobilizing disaster relief for Myanmar following a recent earthquake, despite critiques about the pace of its humanitarian response. Both situations underscore the vulnerabilities faced by nations prone to natural disasters and the critical importance of international aid and disaster readiness in mitigating their impacts.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
