7.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Japan, scientists warn bigger one to come

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off of the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, Aug. 8, prompting tsunami worries and concerns a larger quake could happen in the future. Scientists disclosed that after this most recent earthquake, there is a 70%-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake striking the region within the next 30 years.

Japan sits on the infamous Pacific “Ring of Fire” and experiences around 1,500 earthquakes a year. The country accounts for around 20% of all global earthquakes.

The most recent earthquake on Thursday triggered tsunami warnings that have since been rescinded. Fears over tsunamis have grown since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. However, Japanese government officials said that all 12 nuclear reactors in the area remain safe for now.

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The government is reportedly in the process of establishing a task force to coordinate disaster response efforts. In one neighborhood concrete walls were reportedly destroyed and a wooden home was damaged. However, government officials said that initial findings suggest that infrastructure is holding up relatively well to the earthquake.

There were no initial reports of injuries from the earthquake.

Japan experienced a much more disastrous earthquake on Jan 1. That earthquake happened in Japan’s north-central region and killed more than 240 people.