Second Wave of Island Evacuations Begins: 46 Residents Flee Akusekijima and Kotakarajima Amid Earthquake Swarm in Tokara Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture
On the morning of July 6, a village-operated ferry set sail from Akusekijima and Kotakarajima, carrying 46 residents who opted to evacuate due to a relentless series of earthquakes shaking the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture. The ferry is scheduled to reach Kagoshima Port in Kagoshima City by evening.
This evacuation is the second for Akusekijima residents and the first for those on Kotakarajima, marking a significant response to the ongoing seismic activity in this remote island chain.
A Timeline of the Earthquake Swarm
The swarm of earthquakes rattling the Tokara Islands began on June 21. On July 3, Akusekijima was hit by a tremor registering just under 6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, prompting 13 residents to evacuate to Kagoshima City via ferry on July 4. The situation escalated further as the island experienced stronger quakes, with intensities of 5+ recorded on both July 5 and 6.
Meanwhile, nearby Kotakarajima has also been shaken, including a tremor of just under 5 on July 2, alongside other frequent jolts.
Why This Matters: Safety in a Seismic Hotspot
The Tokara Islands, a picturesque yet seismically active chain in Kagoshima Prefecture, are accustomed to occasional tremors. However, the intensity and frequency of this earthquake swarm have heightened concerns for resident safety. Local authorities are stepping in to support evacuations, ensuring those who wish to leave can do so promptly.
