Japan on High Alert: Prime Minister Cancels Trip Amid 'Megaquake' Advisory

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cancelled a trip to Central Asia to manage the government's response to a potential 'megaquake' off the southern coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first 'megaquake advisory' following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake near Kyushu Island, urging high caution for a week.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has cancelled his planned trip to Central Asia to address the government's response to a potential 'megaquake' off the country's southern coast.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever 'megaquake advisory' on Thursday after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near Kyushu Island. The advisory was prompted by concerns over the Nankai Trough, a known source of past devastating quakes.

The agency's seismologists held an emergency meeting to assess the risk, urging the public to remain cautious for about a week. Local authorities and rail operators have begun implementing precautionary measures, and various popular tourist sites have been temporarily closed.

(With inputs from agencies.)