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Experts predict more earthquakes, floods this year

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Around the world, climatic anomalies have been observed for many years. What is to be expected in Japan this year? Earthquakes are the greatest concern for the Japanese, and many anticipate large scale, M8 class earthquakes in the Tokai and Nankai regions.

Masakazu Otake, former chairman of the Coordinating Committee for Earthquake Prediction, Japan, which is organized under the Geographical Survey Institute, says: “The Tokai Earthquake is an ocean-trench earthquake that occurs due to sinking at the plate boundary. The magnitude 6.5 earthquake that originated in Suruga Bay last August generated within the plate, and it is possible that this caused a further subduction worth 10 years.”

Regarding inland earthquakes, which are most difficult to predict, he also warns, “The Great Hanshin Earthquake and Chuetsu Earthquake, both of which were epicentral, hit an area known as the ‘Niigata Kobe Strain Concentration Zone.’ The prefectural boundary between Niigata and Nagano has not experienced earthquakes in some time, and therefore should be considered a high-risk area.”

In relation to earthquakes is the concern over volcanic eruptions. Director Yoshimitsu Okada of the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, an independent administrative agency, explains that the series of earthquakes which hit Izu in December of 2008 were volcanic, and caused by movement of the magma. A volcanic eruption in the Izu area is possible if this continues.” Keeping an eye on Mount Omuro and Komuro, both active volcanoes located in this popular resort destination, may be necessary.

Another climatic issue is flood hazards that have resulted in a substantial number of casualties over the years. Last August, 18 people died in Sayo-cho, Hyogo due to what was dubbed the "guerrilla" rainstorm. Tokyo University Professor Toshio Yamagata (Atmosphere Ocean Science) comments that flood-related catastrophes can be expected this year as well, owing to a long rainy season. “The El Nino effect from spring to early summer may impact the high pressure system over Ogasawara, implying a prolonged rainy season and a chilly summer.”

While the projection on the autumn typhoon is supposedly "normal," various concerns remain over the effect of climatic issues on urban areas. The only good news, specifically for those who suffer hay fever, is the announcement by the Ministry of the Environment that the amount of pollen will be much less than 2009. Either way, it may be a good idea to check municipal hazard notices on a regular basis and be prepared.

© Japan Today

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18 Comments
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Just replaced the batteries in my emergency kit that I keep under my bed

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The Expert including Astrologers also predicting the same, especially for Asia that includes Japan also. Hope it is not artifical as new swine flu.

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should read artificial....sorry

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I want to be in the deepest subway line when it hits in Tokyo. You know something else? Fuji can wake itself up and that would be awesome.

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Since when have earthquakes, floods, and erupting volcanoes been climatic anomalies? Seems to me they're not anomalies at all, but perfectly natural, and although they can't be predicted to a precise timescale it's reasonable to say that there WILL be earthquakes, places WILL flood, and volcanoes WILL erupt (that's what volcanoes do, you know.)

It's normal. It's the way of the world. Climate changes might exacerbate it, but nothing's ever going to stop it, so why act like it's unnatural?

Now talking about preparing for it, that's good. Very good. I'll have to get myself one of those kits that michaelgtodd has got, if it's any use in an emergency that is. I'll also have to figure out how I'll carry my 2 year old down 4 flights of stairs and also carry several bottles of water (which I don't yet have,) and emergency food supplies.

And if it's night and the lights all go off, I'll try not to fall down those stairs.

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You CAN'T predict earthquakes like you can other phenomena, sorry. You can simply say what they say all the time: any day now the big one is coming.

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Poor folks in Haiti. Go US Marines and help the needed. Just say were coming and help. Mothers, Fathers and Children trapped. Maybe with fire approaching. Go Marines...My hope for the world's military. It is a shame for our governments not to go fast in these cases, helping each other in time of need. How much good we all could accomplish.

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It looks like 2012 is right on schedule.

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My predictions are for Panty plastic explosives and women taking down planes. I hope the US is expedient in helping and also the Chinese and Japanese that are experts in earthquake help.

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Living in Southern California its just one of those things you can't run away from - you try and ready yourself for it but its almost impossible to do so because you don't know how powerful it will be. We could see 2012 in 2011 !!!!

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Ooh, a meteor strike and a plague of zombies would be nice!

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and if this prediction is wrong, no one will complain...so what's the point???

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Well hope we are prepared for them!

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With world population and polution soaring and water drying up everywhere around the world it may be good that the world is killing off the disease (humans) who are the major contributors for destroying its own planet. Just hope you're in a safe place when it happens.

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I predict rain, sunshine and the moon will make an appearance a few times a year.

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less pollen this year? yatta!

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If nothing else, it is a reminder to keep what we hold precious safe. Every once in a while, someone will ask "if you were on a desert island what would you want with you." Usually this is limited to three things. I think MichaelTodd and dammit have it right. Know what you want to grab in an impending event. To add--someone told me always know where your important papers are. Keep them safe.

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Good to see the experts making a completely open statement based on natural events. What if they are wrong? Do we stop calling them experts and start calling them idiots?

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