5 Things About Japan Earthquake, Tsunami Warning You Need to Know
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16 August 2024 12:16 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Scientists warn of a mega earthquake hitting Indonesia. As Tempo reported on August 13, the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) stated that the earthquake would occur in the Sunda Strait and Mentawai-Siberut megathrust zones.
"Therefore, [scientists say that] it's just a matter of time (there will be a big earthquake). The potential seismic gap of the megathrust in the Sunda Strait reaches 8.7 magnitude and the potential in Mentawai-Siberut is 8.9 magnitude," BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Head Daryono said in Jakarta, Monday, August 12, 2024, as quoted from ANTARA.
On the other hand, a huge quake, now associated with a megathrust quake, with 7.1-magnitude hit southwestern Japan on August 8, Reuters reports. This event triggered a tsunami threat warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
As an earthquake-prone country, Japan has a fairly advanced warning system, effective enough to mitigate the impact of the disaster.
Referring to the official website of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and other sources, let's take a closer look at Japan's earthquake and tsunami warning system.
Getting to Know Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System
1. Japan Meteorological Agency
Talking about Japan's earthquake and tsunami warning system, the JMA plays a pivotal role in assuring the dissemination of information regarding natural disasters.
According to its official website, the JMA focuses its effort on monitoring the earth's environment and forecasting natural phenomena related to the atmosphere, oceans, and earth.
Those efforts are conducted to ensure the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters activities going well in the country.
2. Earthquake Early Warnings
When an earthquake strikes, TV and radio stations swiftly broadcast emergency alerts. These alerts, known as Earthquake Early Warnings (EEW) or Kinkyu Jinshun Sokuhou in Japanese, provide immediate information about the quake.
According to the EEW leaflet issued by the JMA, this early warning system is made possible through joint technological development by the JMA, Railway Technical Research Institute, and National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention.
If televisions or radios have broadcast the EEW, it means that a strong tremor may arrive in no time. People are suggested to take quick action to protect themselves from any impact of the quake.
For example, if you hear an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW), it's crucial to stay calm while quickly finding a safe spot to protect yourself. Remember to alert others nearby about the warning as well.
