Why Are Residents Evacuating the Quake-Affected Island Village of Toshima in Japan?
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Synopsis
Amid a series of earthquakes, residents of Toshima, a village in Japan's Kagoshima prefecture, are evacuating to safety. This unprecedented seismic activity has prompted local authorities to take immediate action. What does this mean for the community and the future of the island?
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing seismic activity: The region has been experiencing continuous earthquakes, raising concerns for safety.
- Evacuation measures: Local authorities are taking proactive steps to evacuate residents to ensure their safety.
- Historical significance: This is the first earthquake of such intensity recorded in Toshima since 1919.
- Community impact: The evacuation affects not just individuals but the entire community's stability and future.
- Japan's vulnerability: The country remains one of the most earthquake-prone places in the world.
Tokyo, July 4 (NationPress) Residents from an island located in Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima have started their evacuation on Friday due to a sequence of earthquakes, according to local media reports.
This morning, villagers from Toshima on Akusekijima, part of the Tokara island group in Kagoshima, boarded ships bound for the city of Kagoshima, where they will be accommodated temporarily.
A seismic event measuring magnitude 5.5 occurred off the Tokara island chain on Thursday, following over 1,000 seismic events felt in the region over the past two weeks, as per the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The weather agency reported that the quake, registering a lower 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale (where 7 is the highest), was the most intense tremor recorded in Toshima since data collection began in 1919.
In response to Thursday's earthquake, local authorities on Toshima, which consists of seven inhabited islands and five uninhabited ones, have committed to evacuating residents who wish to leave Akusekijima.
The initial group of 13 individuals, aged up to 80, is expected to arrive in Kagoshima shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Friday, the report indicated.
Officials mentioned that the evacuation process could last approximately a week, and residents from neighboring islands may also be relocated, according to the public broadcaster NHK and reported by Xinhua.
Similarly, on June 3, Japanese authorities had advised the evacuation of all 89 residents from a smaller southern island after a powerful earthquake, amidst a series of over 1,000 tremors that have plagued the region.
The island of Akuseki, also part of the Tokara island chain located south of Japan’s Kyushu region, has recorded 1,031 earthquakes since June 21.
A similar spike in seismic activity was noted in the Tokara area in September 2023, with 346 earthquakes documented, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Japan, lying at the meeting point of four significant tectonic plates along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is recognized as one of the most earthquake-vulnerable nations globally.
With a population of around 125 million, Japan encounters approximately 1,500 earthquakes each year and contributes to roughly 18 percent of the world's seismic activity.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by the residents of Toshima. The rapid series of earthquakes highlights the persistent seismic risks in Japan, a nation that has long grappled with natural disasters. Our priority must always be the safety and well-being of those affected, and we must remain vigilant in providing accurate information and support.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the evacuation of Toshima residents?
The evacuation was prompted by a series of earthquakes, including a significant tremor measuring 5.5, which led authorities to prioritize the safety of residents.
Where are the evacuated residents being relocated?
Evacuated residents are being relocated to temporary accommodations in the city of Kagoshima.
How many earthquakes have occurred in the region recently?
The region has experienced over 1,000 earthquakes in nearly two weeks.
What is the intensity of the most recent earthquake?
The most recent earthquake registered a lower 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale.
How long will the evacuation last?
The evacuation is expected to last for about a week, with potential for residents from other islands to be evacuated as well.
