Residents of the Tokara islands in southern Japan are facing sleepless nights after experiencing over 900 earthquakes in just two weeks. The seismic activity has been intense since June 21, with the latest significant tremor registering a magnitude of 5.5. Local authorities report that while there has been no damage or tsunami warnings, the constant shaking has left the islanders feeling anxious and on edge.
Many residents have expressed their fear and fatigue. One person shared how terrifying it is to try to sleep, saying it feels like the ground is always moving. The Tokara islands, which are home to about 700 people across seven of the twelve islands, have seen clusters of earthquakes before. However, the frequency of these recent events is unusual and alarming.
Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic activity. The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes each year, but the current situation has raised concerns among both residents and authorities. Some islands lack hospitals, making the potential for disaster even more worrying, as the nearest medical facility is a six-hour ferry ride away.
Residents have described eerie sounds coming from the ocean before the quakes hit, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Many are feeling exhausted from the lack of sleep, and local officials have requested that the media limit their inquiries to avoid further stress for the community. Some guesthouses have even stopped accepting tourists to prepare for possible evacuations.
Adding to the unease, rumors are circulating about a potentially massive earthquake predicted by a manga artist, which has caused some tourists to cancel their trips. This has further impacted the local economy, which relies on visitors.
The government is taking steps to prepare for any possible disasters, calling for new safety measures, including the construction of evacuation buildings. The situation remains tense as residents hope for a return to normalcy and a cessation of the earthquakes.