Overview

• Seismologists logged a magnitude 4.5 tremor on July 8, bringing the total to 1,582 quakes since June 21.
• No major structural damage has been reported on Akuseki Island despite repeated jolts up to magnitude 5.5.
• Of Akuseki’s 89 residents, 44 have relocated to Kagoshima and 15 more left nearby islands due to stress and sleep loss.
• Experts link the swarm to an underwater volcano and magma movement but say they cannot forecast when it will end.
• Local officials urge continued alertness as the islands’ remoteness complicates emergency response and supplies.