An earthquake measuring Upper 5 on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) seismic intensity scale struck Yatsushiro City in southern Kumamoto at just before 18:00 on Apr. 19, bringing to life a “chain reaction of earthquakes.” The quake occurred along the Hinagu fault zone, southwest of where the foreshock of the Kumamoto Earthquake struck. According to experts, energy is still building up inside the fault, so people should be prepared for yet another big temblor. On Apr. 17, the Meteorological Agency indicated the possibility of a chain reaction given the microearthquakes that Yatsushiro was experiencing. From north to south, the Hinagu fault zone is believed to consist of three segments: (1) Takano-Shirahata, (2) Hinagu, and (3) Yatsushirokai. Movement along the first segment was recorded on the 14th, and along the second one on the 19th. The Apr. 19 quake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale. According to Dr. Teruyuki Kato, a professor of plate tectonics at the University of Tokyo, “Even after a smaller Magnitude 5-class quake, there is still energy [in the ground], so it is possible that a Magnitude 7-class earthquake like the main one that struck on 16th could occur along the Hinagu (2) segment.” Meanwhile, Dr. Shinji Toda, a professor of earthquake geology at Tohoku University pointed out, “Residents and local governments should be prepared because an even larger earthquake could occur if there is concurrent activity along both the Hinagu and Yatsushirokai segments.” Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, 4/20
