Death toll rises in Japan. Why does the country experience so many large earthquakes?

Japan is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck its southern Kumamoto prefecture, leaving at least 30 people dead and prompting a massive search and rescue operation. The quake caused buildings to collapse and damaged a shopping mall, with reports of a gas leak and explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto. High temperatures are further complicating rescue efforts, with authorities warning of heatstroke.

This event underscores Japan's vulnerability to seismic activity. The island nation sits on the boundary of four tectonic plates and is part of the Pacific's "Ring of Fire," a region notorious for frequent and intense earthquakes and volcanic activity. Residents, accustomed to tremors, practice drills from a young age, and the country has invested heavily in quake-resistant infrastructure and detection technology.

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Why? Why does this keep happening around us here in Kumamoto?

However, the threat of a catastrophic "megathrust earthquake" remains a persistent concern, with the government issuing regular warnings. The Kumamoto region itself had only recently recovered from a devastating 2016 earthquake that killed over 270 people. "Why? Why does this keep happening around us here in Kumamoto?" a local resident lamented, reflecting the fear and resilience of a population living on the edge of geological turmoil.

Authorities are investigating some deaths to confirm their link to the disaster, while rescuers continue to search for survivors trapped under rubble. The ongoing aftershocks add to the anxiety, with warnings that similar tremors could strike the region in the coming days. The resilience of the Japanese people is once again being tested by the powerful forces of nature.

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The shaking back then was on a whole different level. But yesterday’s quake was still pretty terrifying.