Countries at High Risk of Megathrust Earthquakes

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters and megathrust earthquakes rank among the most destructive. These occur due to abrupt shifts along extended subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another. 

Megathrust earthquakes pose a significant threat, as they can trigger massive tsunamis capable of devastating coastal regions within minutes. 

Indonesia is not alone in facing this threat. Here is a list of countries potentially affected by megathrust earthquakes, based on reports from cyclosismico.cl and gns.cri.nz:

1. Indonesia

As a country situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is highly susceptible to megathrust earthquakes. The subduction zone extending from Aceh to Papua poses a significant threat to the region.

Megathrust zones are located in active subduction zones, including the Sunda Subduction (Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, and Sumba), Banda Subduction, Sulawesi Subduction, Maluku Sea Plate Subduction, North Papua Subduction, and Philippine Sea Plate Subduction.

2. Japan

Japan is highly vulnerable to megathrust earthquakes, particularly along the Nankai Trough. This 800-kilometer-long underwater trench, extending from Shizuoka west of Tokyo to Kyushu Island, is a subduction zone where two tectonic plates in the Pacific Ocean converge.

Historical records indicate that the Nankai Trough has experienced a major earthquake measuring eight or nine on the Richter scale every one or two centuries. 

According to Kobe University, there is a 70-80% probability of another such earthquake occurring within the next 30 years. The potential damage from this event is anticipated to be significantly greater than the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

3. Chile

Located on the western edge of the South American Plate, Chile is frequently affected by large-scale earthquakes, including megathrust events. The country's proximity to the Peru-Chile subduction zone, one of the most active subduction zones globally, makes it particularly vulnerable to these seismic events. This subduction zone is one of the most active in the world and has been responsible for some of the world's largest earthquakes.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand is situated on the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Australian Plate, known as the Hikurangi subduction zone. This geological feature makes the country susceptible to megathrust earthquakes, which can lead to devastating tsunamis.

M RAFI AZHARI | ANDIKA DWI | NI MADE SUKMASARII

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