Japan's Prime Minister Cancels Visit Amid Increased Earthquake Risk

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has cancelled his visit to Central Asia following a warning from the Japan Meteorological Agency about a higher risk of a major Pacific coast earthquake. The advisory, the first of its kind, has heightened concerns about the Nankai trough's seismic activity. Kishida aims to focus on domestic preparations and communications.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has cancelled plans to visit Central Asia, following an unprecedented warning from the Japan Meteorological Agency about an increased risk of a major Pacific coast earthquake. This marks the agency's first-ever advisory of this kind, following a 7.1 magnitude quake on Kyushu island.

"I have decided to stay in the country for the next week or so to ensure our preparations and communications are in order," Kishida announced at a press conference. Although the advisory did not specify a timeframe or call for evacuations, Kishida expressed concern that this first-time warning could create public anxiety.

The government is considering online meetings with regional leaders, originally set for a visit to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. The meteorological agency cautioned about a higher probability of a significant earthquake in the Nankai trough, urging the public to be ready for potential evacuations. Japan's infrastructure ministry estimates a 70% to 80% chance of an earthquake of magnitude 8 or 9 occurring in the trough within the next 30 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)