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Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県) — Earthquake Risk & History

Kyushu region · Based on HERP official data

Risk Level: Very High

Miyazaki faces the Hyuganada — the southwesternmost section of the Nankai Trough. The August 2024 M7.1 earthquake here triggered Japan's first-ever Nankai Trough Earthquake Caution temporary advisory. The 30-year probability of an M7.6–8 Hyuganada earthquake is 70–80%.

Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics

Active Faults & Trenches

  • Nankai Trough
  • Hyuga-nada Fault
  • Hyuga Fault

Seismic Characteristics

Miyazaki Prefecture faces the Hyuganada — the southwesternmost section of the Nankai Trough. The August 2024 M7.1 earthquake here triggered Japan's first-ever Nankai Trough Earthquake Caution temporary advisory. The Hyuganada section carries a 70–80% probability of an M7.6–8 event within 30 years.

Earthquake History

  • M7.1

    2024

    Hyuganada earthquake — Japan's first Nankai Trough Caution advisory issued; tsunami advisory for Miyazaki coast

  • M7.5

    1968

    Hyuganada earthquake — damage in Miyazaki and Oita; tsunami observed

※ Showing M6.5+ or historically significant events. Source: JMA database.

Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment

30-Year Probability (Official Figure)

70~80% — M7.6–8 Hyuganada earthquake or M8–9 Nankai Trough combined earthquake (30-year window)

Earthquake Research Committee 2023 assessment. The 2024 temporary advisory experience substantially strengthened Miyazaki's disaster response systems. On coastal visits, follow the immediate evacuation principle — move inland at the first strong shaking.

Traveler Safety Information

Finding Evacuation Shelters

  • Search "避難所" (hinanjo) on Google Maps to find the nearest shelter from your current location
  • Install NHK World or Safety tips (Japan Tourism Agency app) — both send English earthquake alerts
  • Miyazaki Prefecture official disaster prevention page (Japanese) — includes shelter maps

Basic Action Rules

  • At check-in, locate emergency exits and escape routes
  • On strong shaking: protect your head, open a door to secure an exit, do not use elevators
  • Near coasts or rivers: move to high ground immediately — do not wait for a tsunami warning
  • Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance/Fire 119
  • Contact your embassy in Tokyo for emergency consular assistance

Research & Official Sources AI summary

  • Nankai Trough Caution advisory and Miyazaki Prefecture response

    Japan's first Nankai Trough Earthquake Caution advisory, issued after the August 2024 M7.1, caused widespread social impact in Miyazaki — tourism cancellations, evacuation preparations. This experience revealed both strengths and weaknesses of Japan's Nankai Trough advisory system.

    Source: 기상청·내각부 (2024)
  • Tsunami evacuation guide for Miyazaki coast (Aoshima, Sunflower Beach)

    Aoshima and Miyazaki's Pacific beaches are popular destinations — close to the Hyuganada and Nankai Trough. Tsunami can arrive quickly after a major earthquake. If strong shaking occurs: immediately move away from the coast to high ground. Tsunami evacuation hills and towers are located along the Miyazaki coast — note their positions before visiting.

    Source: 미야자키현 방재과·미야자키시 (2024)

Related Guides

⚠️ Notice
Seismic characteristics and research summaries on this page are AI-generated from publicly available data by JMA, Cabinet Office, and HERP. Historical earthquake data (year, magnitude, damage) is based on official records, but key figures should always be cross-checked with the latest official sources. This page does not predict future earthquakes.