The recent Kumamoto earthquake has renewed attention on the danger posed by unruptured fault segments, with experts warning that Fukuoka’s Kego Fault Zone faces a similar risk. Kyushu University professor Mitsuteru Asai said the latest quake likely resulted from a previously unbroken section of the Hinagu Fault that remained under stress after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. He noted that the southeastern section of the Kego Fault, which did not rupture during the 2005 Fukuoka offshore earthquake, is also classified by the national government as having the highest hazard level. A prefectural damage estimate projects up to 1,800 direct deaths, 800 disaster-related deaths, 12,000 injuries, and 319,000 evacuees if a magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes the fault. Experts urged residents to review their disaster preparedness. Source: FBS News / TNC News
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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