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Suruga Bay (駿河湾) — Earthquake Risk & History

Chubu region · Based on HERP official data

Risk Level: Very High

Suruga Bay is the known source zone of the Tokai earthquake — the northeasternmost section of the Nankai Trough. The deep bay shape amplifies tsunami waves approaching Shizuoka Prefecture's western coast.

Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics

Active Faults & Trenches

  • Nankai Trough (Tokai section)
  • Suruga Trough

Suruga Bay is the known source zone of the Tokai earthquake — the northeasternmost section of the Nankai Trough. The deep bay shape amplifies tsunami waves approaching Shizuoka Prefecture's western coast.

Earthquake History

  • M6.5

    2009

    Suruga Bay earthquake — Intensity 6-lower; damage in Shizuoka Prefecture

  • M8.4

    1854

    Ansei Tokai earthquake — Suruga Bay tsunami

Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment

Long-term probability for this area is available on the HERP official website.

🔗 HERP Official Website →

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

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

  • Suruga Bay and the Tokai earthquake probability

    The Suruga Bay (Tokai segment) is assessed to have a high probability of an M8 Tokai earthquake within decades. The Japanese government classifies a full Nankai Trough combined rupture — which includes this segment — as the most severe earthquake threat.

    Source: 지진조사위원회 (2023)

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.