Since the 21st, there has been frequent seismic activity in the Tokara Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, and the nearby sea area. As of the afternoon of the 27th, more than 490 earthquakes have been recorded in total, with the largest magnitude being 5.1.
According to Japan's Jiji Press, of the week leading up to the 27th, the highest number of earthquakes in the Tokara Islands was observed on the 23rd, with a total of 183 earthquakes recorded that day. Since the afternoon of the 26th, the frequency of earthquakes has been trending downward.
The Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory of the Japan Meteorological Agency stated that it is still unclear whether the seismic activity has truly subsided, and the public should continue to be alert for "strongly shaking earthquakes." The local government has prepared emergency supplies such as food and disaster prevention materials for residents living on the islands.
There have been no reports of casualties or property damage so far, but the frequent earthquakes have affected the daily lives of island residents, leaving them feeling fatigued and uneasy.
The Tokara Islands are located in the southern part of Kagoshima Prefecture and consist of 12 islands, of which 7 are inhabited. The Tokara Islands experienced similar periods of frequent seismic activity in December 2021 and September 2023, with 308 and 346 earthquakes observed, respectively.