These are among the findings of a long-term quake projection report released on Tuesday by a research panel headed by University of Tokyo professor Naoshi Hirata.
Predictions of an “impending” magnitude 9 class earthquake in the Pacific off the eastern coast of Hokkaido that will likely trigger a massive tsunami have been raised on Tuesday (December 19) by Japan’s government earthquake research panel.
These are among the findings of a long-term quake projection report released on Tuesday by a research panel headed by University of Tokyo professor Naoshi Hirata.
The panel predicted that there is a 7-40% chance of a magnitude 9.0-class earthquake occurring in the next 30 years.
Predictions for the affected locations include Nemuro, which the panel estimates has a 70% chance of a smaller-scale earthquake measuring 8.0 to 8.6, and the islands of Shikotan and Etorofu, which sees a 60% chance.
The panel also predicted that the next massive earthquake could be large enough to affect the neighbouring Aomori Prefecture, which is home to nuclear power plants.
A major active fault in western Japan, found to be larger than previously thought, is estimated to be 444km in length. With this, the panel estimates that there is a 9-15% chance that the area’s active faults will cause a magnitude 6.8 or bigger quake in inland Shikoku in the next 30 years.