Japan's government earthquake committee warns that another major earthquake could occur following a powerful tremor in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28 [1].

The warning comes as experts analyze significant geological shifts that suggest the region remains unstable. Because certain fault lines did not fully release their energy, the risk of subsequent high-intensity shocks remains a primary concern for public safety.

During an extraordinary meeting, the committee reported that the earth's crust shifted approximately 87 centimeters [2] toward the northeast. Analysis indicates a potential fault rupture extending about 30 kilometers [2] near the epicenter. The initial earthquake on July 28 reached a maximum seismic intensity of seven [1], the highest level on Japan's scale, with significant observations recorded at monitoring points in Kumamoto City and Yatsushiro City [1].

Kazunari Ohara, chairman of the earthquake research committee, said that while some faults are not currently active, it is unknown when or how they might trigger. "Since there are faults that remain, we do not know at this stage when or how they will act, but there is a possibility that another large earthquake will occur," Ohara said [1].

The committee emphasized that the unpredictability of these remaining faults creates a persistent hazard. The geological data suggests that the energy released during the July 28 event may have shifted stress to adjacent areas, increasing the likelihood of further activity.

Ohara urged residents to remain vigilant and maintain emergency preparations. "I want you to continue checking your daily preparations," Ohara said [1].

“There is a possibility that another large earthquake will occur.”

The identification of a 30-kilometer fault rupture and significant crustal displacement indicates that the July 28 earthquake was a major tectonic event. However, the warning regarding 'inactive' faults suggests that the seismic cycle in Kumamoto is not yet complete. This creates a period of heightened risk where aftershocks or new primary quakes could occur as the crust adjusts to the new stress distribution.