Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Japan, Recalling Nation's Seismic History

A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, causing widespread damage, including a partially collapsed shopping mall where people are presumed dead. Thousands of homes lost power, and factories suspended operations in the wake of the tremor.

Japan, situated on the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," is one of the world's most seismically active regions. The country experiences approximately 20% of all global earthquakes measuring magnitude 6 or greater each year, with up to 2,000 tremors felt by residents annually.

The article provides a timeline of significant seismic events in Japan over the last 15 years:

- March 11, 2011: A magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated northeastern Japan, resulting in nearly 20,000 deaths and the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown. - April 16, 2016: A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Kumamoto killed over 270 people, with some casualties attributed to landslides and heavy rain. - June 18, 2018: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake in Osaka claimed four lives, injured hundreds, and disrupted industrial operations. - September 6, 2018: A magnitude 6.7 earthquake paralyzed Hokkaido, causing over 40 deaths, triggering landslides, and leaving 5.3 million residents without power. - February 13, 2021: A magnitude 7.3 earthquake off the coast of Fukushima caused injuries and widespread power outages in the Greater Tokyo area. - March 16, 2022: Another magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off Fukushima's coast, resulting in three deaths, over 200 injuries, and recalling the devastating 2011 event. - January 1, 2024: A magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day, killing more than 300 people. - August 8, 2024: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake off the coast of southern Miyazaki triggered Japan's first-ever advisory for a higher-than-usual risk of a megaquake, which was later lifted.