A strong earthquake shook southwest Japan on Tuesday, and according to experts, the cause was likely a fault that had not ruptured during a pair of earthquakes near the same area a decade ago. They also warned that strong seismic activity may continue.
Geologists analyzing the event said this fault, unaffected by the 2016 earthquakes, had accumulated stress over many years and released energy in the recent quake. Data from seismic monitoring stations indicated the region's complex geological structure makes accurately predicting the timing of earthquakes difficult.
Experts urged local residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepare for possible aftershocks or further earthquakes. They also emphasized the importance of inspecting and reinforcing buildings to mitigate potential damage.
