A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook southwestern Japan on August 8, prompting officials to investigate possibilities of the Nankai Trough mega quake. It is the first time the Japan Meteorological Agency announces the “Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information,” where they will be probing into the possibilities of the magnitude-9-class Nankai Trough megathrust quake. Estimates have shown that the megathrust quake could trigger a huge tsunami in the pacific coast and could kill 320,000 people across Japan. The magnitude 7.1 quake that shook Japan on August 8 has triggered tsunami alerts in prefectures across southwestern Japan including Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Oita prefectures. 

It is strongly advised away from the coast and be aware for at least a week for further quakes to come.