Digital Phablet

Tag: earthquake

  • UN Calls on Pakistan to End Refugee Deportations After Afghanistan Earthquake

    UN Calls on Pakistan to End Refugee Deportations After Afghanistan Earthquake

    A man walks past a truck filled with belongings of Afghan nationals as they head back to Afghanistan after Pakistan began deporting documented Afghan refugees near the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan on September 1, 2025. — Reuters

    – Pakistan targets 1.3 million Proof of Registration (PoR) holders for deportation efforts.
    – Thousands cross through Chaman and Torkham daily, fearing arrest.
    – UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, emphasizes the urgent need for aid in Afghanistan and urges donor support.

    The UN refugee chief has called on Pakistan to halt its large-scale expulsions of Afghan refugees following a deadly earthquake in eastern Afghanistan that caused nearly 1,500 fatalities.

    “Given these circumstances, I appeal to Pakistan to pause the implementation of the Repatriation Plan for Illegal Foreigners,” Grandi stated on X, warning that people being forced to leave are returning to a disaster zone.

    His appeal coincided with rescue teams struggling to reach earthquake survivors after a shallow magnitude-6.0 quake struck the mountainous region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border late Sunday night, collapsing mud-brick homes as families slept.

    Taliban authorities report 1,469 deaths and over 3,700 injuries, affecting more than 500,000 people—a tragedy considered one of the deadliest earthquakes in the country in decades.

    Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees fleeing conflict for over 40 years, from the Soviet invasion to the Taliban’s return in 2021. Some refugees are native to the country, while others await transfer to third-party nations. Many have found varying levels of stability, including access to employment and education.

    However, in 2023, Islamabad launched a crackdown citing an increase in militant attacks and insurgencies, labeling the refugee population as “terrorists and criminals.” Since then, over 1.2 million Afghans have been forcibly sent back, including more than 443,000 just this year, according to the UN.

    The current effort is mainly aimed at 1.3 million refugees holding UNHCR-issued Proof of Registration cards, with a September 1 deadline for departure, or risk arrest and deportation.

    UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the agency is preparing for a significant increase in returns over the next few days due to the approaching deadline.

    Border officials report a notable surge in crossings since the deadline passed. At the Chaman border crossing, over 4,000 individuals have left, according to local administrator Habib Bangulzai. On the Afghan side at Spin Boldak, registration officer Abdul Latif Hakimi indicated that 250 to 300 families are returning daily since August 31.

    At the Torkham crossing further north, more than 6,300 PoR holders returned Tuesday alone, with nearly 63,000 recorded entering Afghanistan since April. Data from UNHCR shows that between August 24 and 30, there was a sharp increase in crossings, with 25,490 returnees, including 13,525 PoR cardholders.

    Analysts believe these expulsions are aimed at exerting pressure on the Taliban government, which Pakistan accuses of harboring militants responsible for an uptick in border attacks. The Taliban deny the allegations.

    Grandi reiterated that international support, including from Pakistan, remains critical and appreciated as Afghanistan deals with the aftereffects of the earthquake.

  • Afghanistan Deploys Commandos to Rescue Earthquake Victims

    Afghanistan Deploys Commandos to Rescue Earthquake Victims

    Volunteers from the Red Crescent walk past damaged homes as they reach Lulam village to assist victims after a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday, in Nurgal district, Kunar province, September 3, 2025. — Reuters

    The death toll has reached 1,457, with 3,394 injured. The World Food Program (WFP) has issued a warning that food supplies will be exhausted within four weeks unless immediate funding is provided. Entire households have been wiped out.

    Afghanistan deployed commandos via air on Wednesday to rescue survivors trapped under the debris in earthquake-affected regions, as the UN agency cautioned that food aid for victims is at risk of running out soon without urgent support. Dozens of special forces are being airlifted to remote locations inaccessible by helicopter to assist with rescuing the injured and moving them to safer areas, with aid groups emphasizing the urgency of saving those still buried under rubble.

    The countdown is also pressing for those who survived the twin earthquakes in Afghanistan’s isolated eastern regions, according to the UN World Food Program (WFP) on Wednesday. John Aylieff, WFP’s chief in Afghanistan, indicated that the agency only has enough funding and supplies to last four more weeks. “Four weeks is simply not enough to meet the basic needs of the quake-affected population, let alone support their recovery,” Aylieff stated.

    Funding for WFP in Afghanistan this year is just under $300 million, a significant drop from $1.7 billion in 2022, the country’s first full year under Taliban rule. The nation, with a population of 42 million living amid ongoing conflict, poverty, and dwindling international aid, has received limited global assistance following the disaster.

    The initial magnitude-6 quake, one of the most destructive in recent years, caused extensive destruction when it hit Kunar and Nangarhar provinces around midnight on Sunday at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. A second quake measuring 5.5 on Tuesday evening triggered panic, hampered rescue efforts, and caused landslides that blocked remote village roads.

    According to the Taliban government, the earthquakes have resulted in 1,457 fatalities, 3,394 injuries, and destruction of more than 6,700 homes. The UN warns that these figures could rise as many people remain trapped under the wreckage.

    Authorities have established a command post to coordinate aid and supplies, with two centers managing the transport of injured victims, burials, and rescue operations, said Ehsanullah Ehsan, disaster management chief in Kunar. “What we urgently need is air support—helicopters. Sadly, WFP had helicopters until a few months ago, but funding cuts stopped that,” Aylieff explained.

    Afghanistan continues to suffer due to cuts in US foreign aid under President Donald Trump, combined with international frustration over Taliban restrictions on women and aid workers, leading to increased isolation.

    Whole families have been obliterated in some villages, with survivors searching through debris for loved ones, carrying bodies on woven stretchers, and digging graves with makeshift tools. In Lulam village, one of the hardest-hit areas, 63-year-old Darbar, who goes by one name, said she and her family have been waiting for aid for three days since their home was destroyed. Sitting on a traditional wooden and rope bed, she described her injuries and expressed despair: “No one even hears our voices. Now we just sit in hope, with nothing to eat or a home to return to.”

    On nearby mountain roads, trucks loaded with flour and men with shovels are heading toward even more severely impacted villages. Ruhila Mateen from Aseel, a humanitarian technology platform operating in the region, said conditions are deteriorating rapidly, especially for women and children. Fragile homes built from dry masonry, stone, and wood offer little protection from ongoing tremors, especially on ground made unstable by recent heavy rains, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

    The UN and aid organizations are calling for emergency shelter, food, sanitation, safe drinking water, and essential medical supplies. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has distributed trauma kits at two hospitals in the affected areas and also appealed for increased humanitarian assistance.

    Afghanistan, situated along the seismic-active Hindu Kush mountain range where tectonic plates converge, remains highly vulnerable to deadly earthquakes.

  • Afghan Rescuers Rush to Aid Isolated Mountain Villages After Quake

    Afghan Rescuers Rush to Aid Isolated Mountain Villages After Quake

    A severe magnitude-6 earthquake struck Afghanistan circa midnight, resulting in the death of over 800 individuals and injuring more than 2,800 across eastern provinces like Kunar and Nangarhar. Rescue teams, focusing initially on four villages in Kunar, are now extending their efforts to more isolated mountainous regions. The challenging terrain and worsening weather conditions have significantly impeded rescue operations, especially along the Pakistani border where mudbrick homes have been flattened.

    Urgent efforts are underway to access these remote areas, with machinery being deployed to clear blocked roads. As of Tuesday, ambulances and helicopters are actively transporting the injured to hospitals in Kabul and nearby Nangarhar. Taliban forces have been deployed to assist with aid distribution and security in the affected zones. The disaster has further strained Afghanistan’s already overwhelmed health system, which is struggling due to a decline in foreign aid and ongoing diplomatic issues.

    Relief agencies are working to quickly dispose of animal carcasses to prevent water contamination, though damaged roads, aftershocks, and the difficulty of reaching remote villages pose ongoing obstacles. The World Health Organization reports that over 12,000 people have been affected, and local health facilities are under intense strain. This region, part of the Hindu Kush mountain range, is highly susceptible to earthquakes, with seismic activity in 2022 causing around 1,000 fatalities in the same eastern territories.

  • UK commits £1m aid to help Afghanistan earthquake victims

    UK commits £1m aid to help Afghanistan earthquake victims

    A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving destruction and grief in its wake. Afghan volunteers alongside Taliban security forces rushed to assist injured individuals near a military helicopter in Mazar Dara village, Nurgal District, Kunar Province, on September 1, 2025. The quake is among the deadliest in Afghanistan’s recent history, claiming over 800 lives and injuring at least 2,800 as rescue efforts are still underway. The country’s disaster response has been limited by decreasing international aid, primarily due to US funding cuts.

    In response, the UK has pledged £1 million (~$1.35 million) in emergency aid. The funds will be channeled through global organizations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) to provide vital healthcare services and emergency supplies to the hardest-hit regions. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Afghan people, stating that this emergency support aims to help deliver critical aid to those most affected.

  • Frequent Earthquakes Shake Afghanistan and Pakistan in Recent Years

    Frequent Earthquakes Shake Afghanistan and Pakistan in Recent Years

    Over 800 individuals have lost their lives, and more than 2,500 are injured following a magnitude 6 earthquake that struck the remote eastern region of Afghanistan. This event marks the latest increase in seismic activity in the area.

    Historical data from recent years in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, situated at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, includes:

    2025

    • August 27: Magnitude 5.6 quake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region.
    • August 19: Magnitude 5.2 quake at a depth of 186 km in Hindu Kush.
    • June 29: Magnitude 5.5 earthquake centered in central Pakistan at a depth of 149 km.
    • May 10: Magnitude 5.7 tremor across Pakistan, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
    • April 16 & 19: Magnitude 5.6 and 5.8 quakes along the Hindu Kush and Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.
    • April 12: Magnitude 5 quake at 39 km depth in Pakistan.
    • March and June: Karachi, Pakistan’s southern port city, experienced several minor tremors.

    2024

    • October 17: Magnitude 5.5 quake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush.
    • September 11: A 5.75 magnitude quake at 10 km depth in Pakistan.
    • March 19–20: Magnitude 5.5 and 5.8 earthquakes in Pakistan.
    • February 19: A 5.5 magnitude quake in northwestern Kashmir.
    • January 11: A considerable 6.3 magnitude quake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush.
    • January 5: Earthquake of 5 magnitude along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.

    2023

    • November 15: 5.3 magnitude quake near Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.
    • October: Multiple earthquakes shaking Afghanistan, resulting in numerous fatalities.
    • August 6: 5.1 magnitude quake at the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.
    • May 3 & August 5: Earthquakes of 5.6 and 5.7 in the Hindu Kush.
    • March: A significant 6.5 magnitude earthquake in northern Afghanistan, causing at least 13 deaths.

    2022

    • December 16: 4.3 magnitude tremor in southeastern Afghanistan.
    • Early September: Two earthquakes, one claiming at least eight lives.
    • August 1: 5.6 magnitude quake in southwestern Pakistan.
    • June: Devastating 6.0 quake in Afghanistan, resulting in over 1,000 deaths.
    • February 5: 5.7 quake in the Hindu Kush.
    • January 17: 5.6 magnitude earthquake at 30 km depth in western Afghanistan.

    2021

    • October 7: Earthquake in southern Pakistan, killing at least 15 people.
    • May 19: 4.6 magnitude quake at 17.6 km depth in Afghanistan.
  • Magnitude 6.1 Quake Hits Balikesir Near Istanbul, Turkey

    Magnitude 6.1 Quake Hits Balikesir Near Istanbul, Turkey

    A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Sindirgi in western Turkey on Sunday, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The tremor was felt across multiple cities in the region, including Istanbul and the popular tourist destination of Izmir. No fatalities have been reported.

    Approximately ten buildings collapsed in Sindirgi, including a three-story structure in the town center, as announced by Mayor Serkan Sak on Turkish private channel NTV. “Six residents lived in that three-story building. Four were rescued from the debris,” he stated, adding that rescue efforts to locate the remaining two were ongoing. “Buildings and mosques were damaged, but fortunately, there have been no reports of loss of life,” he added.

    The earthquake occurred at 7:53 p.m. local time (1653 GMT), with aftershocks measuring between 3.5 and 4.6 in magnitude, AFAD reported. Turkey is traversed by several fault lines, which have historically caused severe earthquakes in the country.

    In February 2023, a quake in the southwestern region resulted in at least 53,000 deaths and severely damaged Antakya, near the ancient site of Antioch. More recently, in early July, a 5.8 magnitude tremor in the same area caused one death and injured 69 people.

  • Russia Cancels Kamchatka Tsunami Alert Following Quake and Volcano Eruption

    Russia Cancels Kamchatka Tsunami Alert Following Quake and Volcano Eruption

    On July 30, 2025, Severo-Kurilsk, a town in eastern Russia, was struck by a tsunami following a major earthquake off the Kamchatka Peninsula. Russian scientists issued warnings about potential strong aftershocks in the region. Additionally, the Krasheninnikov Volcano erupted for the first time in six centuries, leading the Ministry to assign it an orange alert level.

    Russia’s Emergency Services Ministry lifted the tsunami warning for the Kamchatka Peninsula Sunday after an earthquake measuring 7.0 struck nearby Kuril Islands. While initial reports on Telegram indicated that wave heights would be minimal, authorities advised residents to stay away from the shoreline. The Pacific Tsunami Warning System confirmed the quake’s magnitude but stated there was no tsunami threat. The US Geological Survey also registered the quake at 7.0.

    Later that night, Kamchatka’s Krasheninnikov Volcano erupted, marking its first eruption in 600 years, according to Russia’s RIA news agency and scientists. These events are believed to be connected to the powerful earthquake that rocked Russia’s Far East last week, which triggered tsunami warnings as far away as French Polynesia and Chile. The same seismic activity also caused the Klyuchevskoy volcano, the most active on the peninsula, to erupt.

    The Kuril Islands extend from the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Russian scientists had warned earlier in the week that strong aftershocks could continue for weeks. Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, stated, “This is the first scientifically confirmed eruption of Krasheninnikov in 600 years.” She added that the last known lava flow from the volcano occurred within 40 years of 1463, with no eruptions recorded since then.

    Following the eruption, the Kamchatka regional emergency agency reported an ash plume reaching up to 6,000 meters (about 3.7 miles) into the sky. The volcano stands at 1,856 meters tall. The ash cloud was drifting eastward, away from populated areas, and elevated aviation hazard level to orange, indicating increased risk to aircraft.

  • Millions Evacuate Coastal Regions After 8.8 Quake in Kamchatka

    Millions Evacuate Coastal Regions After 8.8 Quake in Kamchatka

    People across the Pacific were suddenly forced into action after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday. Residents scrambled to evacuate as tsunami alerts rippled from Japan to South America, causing waves to crash into ports, beaches to close, and chaos to erupt as millions of people hurried to higher ground.

    The quake, one of the strongest ever recorded, produced waves reaching heights of up to four meters (about 12 feet). Despite the massive tremor, early reports indicated only minor damage and few injuries, though it was the most intense since the 2011 disaster in Japan that claimed 15,000 lives.

    Tsunami warnings were issued for over a dozen countries, placing millions on high alert. In Russia, a tsunami inundated Severo-Kurilsk’s port, submerging the local fishing facility. Footage from Russian state television showed buildings and debris swept out to sea, with the surge reaching nearly 400 meters from the shoreline at the town’s World War II monument, according to Mayor Alexander Ovsyannikov.

    Japan advised nearly two million residents in affected areas to move to higher ground, and the Fukushima nuclear plant, devastated by the 2011 quake and tsunami, was evacuated again. Tragically, reports say one woman died as she drove her car off a cliff while trying to escape.

    Along South America’s Pacific coast, warnings remained in effect, with the Galapagos Islands shutting down parks, closing schools, and evacuating tourists from boats to land safety. Isabela Island’s residents were transported onto higher ground by buses and trucks amid widespread fear and uncertainty.

    The Ecuadorian navy reported maximum wave heights of approximately 1.3 meters, and disturbances are expected to persist for several hours. Peru temporarily closed 65 of its 121 Pacific ports, warning fishing activities to halt and people to stay away from the coast.

    In Hawaii, tsunami sirens blared near Waikiki Beach, and traffic was gridlocked as residents fled to higher areas. Governor Josh Green announced cancellations of flights in and out of Maui as a safety measure. President Donald Trump urged Americans to “Stay strong and stay safe” via social media. Eventually, the alert was downgraded from a tsunami warning to an advisory, and local evacuations were canceled.

    Meanwhile, Russian scientists reported the eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano shortly after the quake, with glowing lava flows and explosive activity observed on its western slope. The seismic monitoring service confirmed that the Kamchatka earthquake was the strongest in the region since 1952, with aftershocks continuing with magnitudes up to 7.5.

    The U.S. Geological Survey ranked this event among the ten largest tremors ever recorded, with at least six aftershocks following, including one of magnitude 6.9. In Taiwan’s Taitung area, hotel staff advised guests to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas.

    The island nation of Palau, about 500 miles east of the Philippines, ordered evacuations of all coastal zones. French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands anticipated waves of up to four meters overnight, prompting official warnings to residents.

  • Tsunami Facts: Key Details and Damage Impact

    Tsunami Facts: Key Details and Damage Impact

    A huge tsunami rushes in to flood a residential neighborhood following a powerful earthquake in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 11, 2011. —Reuters

    Tsunami warnings were issued throughout parts of the Pacific on Wednesday after an 8.7 magnitude quake struck off Russia’s Far East.

    Here are some important facts about tsunamis and the destruction they can inflict:

    Water Shock
    A tsunami is a sudden surge of water that propagates through the ocean, usually caused by a strong earthquake beneath the seabed. The abrupt, forceful shift of the Earth’s crust can lift or drop sections of the ocean floor, displacing vast amounts of water that form waves. These waves radiate outward from their origin point and can travel great distances — sometimes at speeds comparable to a jet airplane. Though rare, tsunamis can generate extremely strong currents and deadly flooding along coastlines.

    Other Causes
    While major earthquakes are the primary trigger for tsunamis, other catastrophic natural events can also provoke them, including volcanic eruptions and landslides. For instance, in 1883, the eruption of Krakatoa shattered the Pacific island, producing an explosion loud enough to be heard 2,800 miles away and generating a tsunami that claimed roughly 30,000 lives. Additionally, powerful storms or space rocks plunging into the ocean can be sufficient to produce a tsunami, as noted by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    “Harbor Wave”
    The word “tsunami” originates from Japanese, meaning “harbor” + “wave.” It’s sometimes called a “tidal wave,” but experts emphasize this is inaccurate, as tsunamis are unrelated to ocean tides. They typically start with small wave heights and widely spaced peaks. As these waves get closer to shore, the seafloor’s slope compresses the waves, causing their peaks to bunch together and significantly increasing their height. When they arrive on land, they can strike multiple times over hours or even days.

    Historical Perspective
    Ancient Roman scholar Ammianus Marcellinus described the 365 AD tsunami that struck Alexandria: “The sea receded so much that the ocean floor was revealed, allowing many sea creatures to be seen. Suddenly, enormous waves returned unexpectedly, overwhelming and killing thousands. Ships were hurled onto rooftops by the waves’ fury.”

    Potential for Destruction
    Several factors influence how tall and destructive a tsunami can become, including earthquake magnitude, the volume of displaced water, the underwater topography, and natural barriers that absorb or dampen the waves. The Pacific Ocean is particularly vulnerable because of its earthquake activity, but tsunamis have appeared in many parts of the globe over the years. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra, unleashed energy equivalent to 23,000 Hiroshima atomic bombs, according to the US Geological Survey, killing around 220,000 people across 11 nations, many thousands of miles from the quake’s epicenter.

  • Pacific Tsunami Warning Issued After 8.0+ Quake Off Russia Coast: USGS

    Pacific Tsunami Warning Issued After 8.0+ Quake Off Russia Coast: USGS

    A potent magnitude 8.6 earthquake hit off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering tsunami alerts, evacuations, and some structural damage, officials reported.

    Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov described the quake as the most intense in decades, stating in a Telegram video that although no injuries had been reported so far, a kindergarten had sustained damage.

    The U.S. Geological Survey noted that the quake was shallow, with a depth of 19.3 km (12 miles), centered roughly 125 km (80 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of about 165,000 residents along Avacha Bay. The quake’s magnitude was upgraded from earlier estimates of 8.0.

    Following the event, authorities ordered the evacuation of Severo-Kurilsk, a small town south of the peninsula, due to tsunami risks, according to Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko on Telegram.

    Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services in Kamchatka warned via Telegram that a tsunami wave up to 32 cm (about 1 foot) could arrive along the coast.

    Japanese meteorologists predicted a tsunami reaching up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) could impact large coastal areas starting at approximately 1 a.m. GMT.

    The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for hazardous waves within three hours along some Russian and Japanese coastlines. Additionally, a tsunami watch was active for Guam and other islands in Micronesia.

    Kamchatka and the Russian Far East are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geologically active zone prone to significant earthquakes and volcanic activity.

  • 5.6 Magnitude Quake Strikes Northern Iran

    5.6 Magnitude Quake Strikes Northern Iran

    A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit northern Iran on Sunday, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 3 kilometers (about 1.86 miles).


    Photo credit: Unsplash/File

  • Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits Alaska Peninsula

    Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits Alaska Peninsula

    A representation of the Richter scale measuring earthquakes. — Reuters/File

    LOS ANGELES: A 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Alaska on Wednesday, leading to a tsunami warning issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

    The quake struck around 12:37 PM local time (2037 GMT), with its epicenter approximately 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of Sand Point, as reported by the USGS. It occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 20.1 kilometers.

    In the aftermath of the tremor, officials issued a tsunami warning for the southern regions of Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula.

    “A tsunami has been confirmed, and impacts are anticipated,” stated the National Tsunami Warning Center based in Palmer, Alaska.

    The specific warning area included “South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, as well as the Pacific coasts from Kennedy Entrance, Alaska (40 miles southwest of Homer) to Unimak Pass, Alaska (80 miles northeast of Unalaska),” as indicated by the center.

    For now, initial data shows that tsunami alerts have not been extended to other areas, according to the NTWC.

    Alaska is situated within the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

    In March 1964, the state experienced a massive 9.2-magnitude earthquake, the largest ever recorded in North America, which devastated Anchorage and caused a tsunami that impacted the Gulf of Alaska, the U.S. West Coast, and Hawaii.

    That disaster claimed over 250 lives due to both the earthquake and resulting tsunami.

    In July 2023, a separate 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred off the Alaskan Peninsula, but fortunately, there were no significant damages reported.

  • Japan Prepares for Quakes, Authorities Downplay Doom Warnings

    Japan Prepares for Quakes, Authorities Downplay Doom Warnings

    Recent Earthquake Aftermath in Japan

    On January 4, 2024, Wajima, Japan, was devastated by fire following an earthquake, with areas like Asaichi-dori street being significantly affected. A man navigates through the remnants of the street amidst ongoing recovery efforts.

    Amid this crisis, Japan’s government issued a warning about potential strong aftershocks in the waters southwest of its main islands. However, officials cautioned the public against falling prey to baseless predictions of a significant disaster.

    On Friday, certain residents of remote islands near the epicenter of a 5.5-magnitude quake were evacuated as a precaution. This quake, which struck the previous Thursday, was strong enough to pose challenges for those trying to maintain their footing and was part of over 1,000 tremors recorded in Kagoshima Prefecture over the past two weeks. These seismic events have fueled rumors sparked by a manga that allegedly predicts a major disaster for Japan this month.

    “Our current scientific understanding does not allow us to specify the timing, location, or intensity of an earthquake,” stated Ayataka Ebita, head of the earthquake and tsunami monitoring division at the Japan Meteorological Agency, following another quake measuring 5.4-magnitude on Saturday. “We urge everyone to rely on scientifically grounded information,” Ebita emphasized during a press briefing.

    The manga that has garnered attention for allegedly forecasting a catastrophic event on Saturday has caused some travelers to think twice about visiting Japan. Data reveals that arrivals from Hong Kong—where the rumors gained traction—declined by 11% in May compared to the same month last year.

    Despite the current concerns, Japan has welcomed record numbers of visitors in 2023, with April alone seeing 3.9 million tourists—the highest monthly figure on record.

    Ryo Tatsuki, the creator of “The Future I Saw,” a manga originally published in 1999 and re-released in 2021, clarified that she does not possess prophetic abilities in a statement through her publisher.

    Earthquakes are a regular occurrence in Japan, a region known for its seismic activity, accounting for approximately 20% of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or more.

  • Northern Iran Rocked by Earthquake Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes

    Northern Iran Rocked by Earthquake Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes

    TEHRAN: A 5.1-magnitude earthquake rattled northern Iran on Friday, coinciding with ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the region. Fortunately, local officials reported no injuries and only slight damage.

    The official news outlet, IRNA, indicated that there were no fatalities and described the damage as "minimal."

    According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles), roughly 37 kilometers (23 miles) southwest of Semnan city.

    State television initially reported the quake as measuring 5.5 and noted that it "shook the vicinity of Sorkheh in Semnan province."

    The tremor was also felt in Tehran, which is located about 150 kilometers (90 miles) from Sorkheh.

  • ‘Japan Megaquake Myths Frighten Tourists in Hong Kong’

    ‘Japan Megaquake Myths Frighten Tourists in Hong Kong’

    Online Rumors Impacting Travel to Japan

    HONG KONG: Recently, unfounded online rumors suggesting an imminent major earthquake in Japan have negatively affected travel agencies and airlines, with many in Hong Kong expressing hesitance about traveling. In 2024, residents from Hong Kong made approximately 2.7 million trips to Japan.

    Although predicting earthquakes is inherently uncertain, anxiety-inducing speculation has gained traction among Hong Kong residents. Some misinformation has referenced a 2021 manga that supposedly forecasts a significant disaster in July 2025 based on the author’s dream. Other social media posts have provided varying predictions, and a Facebook group dedicated to forecasting disasters in Japan has amassed over 250,000 members, predominantly from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

    "The fear surrounding these earthquake predictions has drastically altered our customers’ preferences," said Frankie Chow, the head of CLS Holiday, a travel agency in Hong Kong. He reported that inquiries about trips to Japan plummeted by 70-80% in March and April compared to the previous year. “I’ve never seen this kind of response before,” he added, noting that his booking site, Flyagain.la, experienced similar trends. While some travelers opted for different destinations, others simply "didn’t dare to travel," Chow explained.

    In Japan, minor to moderate earthquakes are frequent due to stringent building regulations that minimize damage. However, the nation has experienced devastating events, including the major 2011 earthquake that triggered a tsunami, resulting in nearly 18,500 people dead or missing and a catastrophic nuclear accident at Fukushima.

    Unlike Japan, earthquakes are very rare in Hong Kong, yet rumors can easily unsettle locals.

    Clarification from Authorities

    In response to rising concerns, Tokyo’s Cabinet Office recently posted on social media platform X, stating, "Currently, it is not possible to predict earthquakes by specific dates or locations based on scientific knowledge." A Cabinet official confirmed that this post was part of routine efforts to inform the public about earthquake risks, particularly following an updated forecast from a government panel in January regarding a "megaquake."

    The panel had estimated a 75-82% chance of a significant earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. A subsequent estimate from March projected that a megaquake could lead to 298,000 fatalities in Japan. Despite being a routine update, this figure has intensified fears among potential tourists.

    One viral YouTube video featuring a feng shui master advising against traveling to Japan has garnered over 100,000 views.

    Don Hon, a 32-year-old social worker in Hong Kong, remains skeptical of the online claims; however, he admits they have affected his travel plans. "I’ll take precautions and hold off on planning a trip to Japan," he said, adding he might suggest alternative destinations if a friend proposed visiting in July.

    Travel Impacts

    Greater Bay Airlines, based in Hong Kong, has responded to the decline in demand by scaling back flights to Tokushima in southern Japan. A local tourism official mentioned, "They reported a swift decrease in bookings amid rumors about a significant quake and tsunami this summer." From May 12 to October 25, weekly round-trip flights will drop from three to two. The airline is also reducing services to Sendai in the Miyagi region.

    Miyagi’s governor, Yoshihiro Murai, reassured travelers that "there’s no reason to worry," emphasizing that locals are not overly concerned. However, he acknowledged that misinformation on social media could severely affect tourism.

    According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of visitors from Hong Kong fell to 208,400 in March, marking a nearly 10% year-on-year decrease—partly attributed to Easter holidays falling in mid-April this year.

    In contrast, EGL Tours reported stable travel numbers to Japan, though recent hotel bookings have shown a drop among Hong Kong guests versus international travelers. "If these predictions do not materialize, people will eventually realize the truth," said Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, the executive director of EGL Tours.

  • Tsunami Warning Prompts Evacuations in Antarctica and Southern Chile

    Tsunami Warning Prompts Evacuations in Antarctica and Southern Chile

    Chilean Coast Evacuated Due to Tsunami Threat After 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake

    On Friday, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit off the Chilean coast in the Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and Antarctica, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers (6 miles). This seismic event prompted local authorities to issue tsunami warnings, leading to an evacuation of coastal areas.

    Chile’s disaster management agency, SENAPRED, reported that while there was no immediate damage to essential infrastructure or injuries, they advised evacuations along the southern coastline as a precaution against potential tsunami waves.

    President Gabriel Boric urged the evacuation of the entire Magallanes region, stating that all state resources would be utilized to address any possible aftermath.

    Later, during a press conference, Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde announced that the evacuation alert for the area was being downgraded. However, he advised citizens to remain clear of beaches and coastal regions for safety.

    Alicia Cebrian, SENAPRED’s director, indicated that a minor "instrumental tsunami" was recorded at the Prat Base in Antarctica, showing a rise of 6 centimeters (about 2.3 inches) in sea levels, with possible increases of up to 90 centimeters expected.

    Social media videos captured moments of calm evacuation, showcasing citizens leaving the beach as sirens sounded in the background. Photos featured parks and other designated evacuation areas filled with students, workers, and residents from the sparsely populated southern region of Chile.

    According to Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, the tsunami waves were predicted to first impact Antarctica, followed by cities in the southern parts of Chile in the hours to come.

    In a further precautionary measure, Chile’s Antarctic Institute confirmed that evacuations were underway at their bases. Prior to the alert being downgraded, local officials indicated that around 2,000 individuals had been evacuated from the region.

  • Strong 6.2 Quake Strikes Off Istanbul’s Coastline

    Strong 6.2 Quake Strikes Off Istanbul’s Coastline

    Turkiye’s national flags adorn buildings in Istanbul’s financial district as preparations are made for National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 22, 2025. — Reuters

    • 6.2-magnitude quake strikes Silivri near the Marmara Sea: minister.
    • The initial tremor at 12:49 PM was succeeded by three aftershocks.
    • As the ground shook, people hurried out onto the streets.

    A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Marmara Sea close to Istanbul’s western outskirts on Wednesday, prompting residents to flee into the streets as officials confirmed the tremor’s impact was felt throughout Turkiye’s largest city.

    Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on X that the quake originated in Silivri near the Marmara Sea and was felt in neighboring provinces.

    The first quake occurred at 12:49 PM local time and was followed by three aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 4.4 to 4.9, according to the AFAD disaster management agency.

    As buildings rattled, anxious crowds gathered outside, many fixated on their phones for news or making calls, reported an AFP correspondent.

    “I just felt the earthquake and had to get out,” said a visibly shaken decorator fleeing from a fourth-floor apartment near Galata Tower, who preferred to remain anonymous.

    Fortunately, city authorities and the regional governor’s office reported no immediate injuries or fatalities, nor any structural damages in the vast city of 16 million.

    The governor’s office stated, “We have received no information about buildings collapsing,” while urging people to steer clear of potentially damaged structures.

    “So far, no serious incidents have been reported following the earthquake in Istanbul,” added the Istanbul municipality on X.

    Shockwaves from the quake were felt as far away as Bulgaria, where AFP journalists in Sofia also reported sensations of the tremor.

    This rewritten content presents the original information in a unique manner, maintaining the essence while ensuring it is human-written and free of plagiarism.