Japan Faces Natural Disasters: Volcano Eruption and Earthquakes Rock the South
Japan is currently grappling with a string of intense natural events — from volcanic ash blanketing cities to relentless seismic activity that’s too frequent to ignore.
On July 2, Mount Shinmoedake, located on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, erupted violently. The following day, the volcano spewed ash over 5,000 meters into the sky, covering nearby areas in thick gray dust. Authorities raised the alert level to 3 out of 5, urging the public to avoid entering a 3-kilometer radius around the crater.
Meanwhile, the nearby Tokara Islands are facing what locals are calling a “nightmare underfoot,” with over 1,000 earthquakes recorded in just two weeks. The latest tremor in Toshima Village measured a lower-6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale — the strongest in that area since records began in 1919.
This has prompted residents on Akuseki Island to begin evacuating. The first group arrived at Kagoshima Port on the evening of July 5 and will be staying in temporary housing provided by the government for at least a week.
Adding to the anxiety is a viral rumor spreading across Asian social media about a supposed “doomsday” earthquake on July 5, 2025. The source of the panic? A Japanese manga titled The Future I Saw, in which the author claims to have dreamt of a massive tsunami hitting Japan after a sea fault rupture — and that dream was set in July 2025.
Although the author has since clarified that the dream’s date wasn’t meant to be a literal prediction — and some details may have been misprinted — the rumor has already sparked widespread fear. Some travelers have even canceled trips to Japan.
In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released an official statement denying the claims, emphasizing that there is currently no scientific technology capable of accurately predicting earthquakes — in terms of timing, location, or magnitude.
Summary:
Southern Japan is currently experiencing real natural disasters, while online rumors about a “July 5 catastrophe” are fueling unnecessary panic. The best course of action now is to stay informed through official sources and prepare without succumbing to fear.
Source: Thai Rath
Related posts:
