Japan: Officials continue to monitor for additional earthquake activity following Aug. 8 earthquake

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued an advisory late Aug. 8, noting that there was a higher-than-usual possibility of a large-scale earthquake emanating from the Nankai Trough located near Japan's Pacific coastline after a magnitude-7.1 quake struck near Miyazaki, Kyushu, earlier on Aug. 8. They have also noted that the advisory, active through Aug. 15, is not an indication that a major earthquake will occur. Official updates are available here.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has instructed over 700 municipalities to review disaster response measures and evacuation plans. In addition, officials have urged citizens not to panic buy. There have been reports of supply shortages of some essential goods, including bottled water, in Tokyo and elsewhere after the JMA advisory was issued. Some local municipalities have canceled events and closed parks and beaches as a precaution; government officials have stated that such measures are unnecessary. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has canceled a planned overseas tour to remain in the country to oversee communications related to the recent advisory.