Overview

• On July 15 at 1:20 p.m. a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck near the Tokara Islands at a depth of about 20 km, registering seismic intensity 4 on Akusekijima Island
• The Japan Meteorological Agency reported no tsunami risk and recorded numerous smaller tremors of intensity 2 or less around the islands on July 15
• Toshima Village maintains a safety rule requiring five straight days without any intensity-4 earthquakes before considering repatriation for evacuees from Akusekijima and Kodakarajima Islands
• The July 15 quake reset the five-day countdown, pushing the earliest possible ferry return from July 18 to July 21 if no further strong tremors occur through July 19
• Displaced residents remain in Kagoshima City and retain access to early voting options ahead of the upcoming national elections