Foreign residents in Japan's western regions should remain alert as seismic activity continues in Ishikawa, Shimane, and Tottori prefectures, with authorities urging ongoing earthquake preparedness one week after a significant tremor.

On January 13, Ishikawa Prefecture experienced two separate earthquakes, according to NHK reporting. The first occurred at 5:09 a.m., registering a lower 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in the Noto region. Later that evening at 8:46 p.m., another earthquake struck Suzu City, measuring 3 on the intensity scale. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed neither earthquake posed a tsunami risk.

These recent tremors follow a more significant earthquake that struck Shimane and Tottori prefectures on January 6, which measured 5-strong on the seismic intensity scale. One week after that event, authorities report the region remains seismically active, with earthquake frequency still elevated compared to normal levels. The Japan Meteorological Agency emphasizes that residents should maintain earthquake preparedness measures, as the risk of additional strong tremors persists.

The January 6 earthquake has resulted in tangible damage across the Chugoku region. According to NHK, 14 people sustained injuries, though the report does not specify severity. Property damage assessments reveal that more than 90 residential structures have suffered partial destruction. Additionally, infrastructure disruptions have affected parts of Nanbu Town in Tottori Prefecture, though specific details about utilities or services were not disclosed in available reports.

For foreign residents unfamiliar with Japan's seismic intensity scale, it's important to understand that a 5-strong rating indicates strong shaking that can cause considerable alarm, make walking difficult, and potentially cause unsecured furniture to topple. A level 4 indicates noticeable shaking that most people will recognize immediately, while level 3 represents moderate shaking that may not be noticed by everyone, particularly those who are moving or engaged in activities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency's continued warnings about elevated seismic activity suggest that residents in affected areas should review and maintain their earthquake preparedness plans. This is particularly crucial for expats who may not have experienced significant earthquakes before arriving in Japan or who may be less familiar with local emergency procedures.

Practical steps for foreign residents include ensuring emergency kits remain stocked and accessible. These should contain water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, important documents, cash, and any necessary medications for at least three days. Residents should also identify safe spaces within their homes—typically under sturdy tables or in doorways—and know evacuation routes from their buildings and neighborhoods.

Expats should familiarize themselves with local emergency alert systems. Japan's earthquake early warning system sends alerts through mobile phones, television, and radio. While these warnings may arrive in Japanese, the distinctive alarm sound and the word "jishin" (earthquake) should prompt immediate protective action. Many smartphones can be configured to display emergency alerts in English.

Given the ongoing seismic activity, foreign residents in Ishikawa, Shimane, and Tottori prefectures should also verify their understanding of their local government's evacuation procedures and identify designated evacuation centers in their communities. Many municipalities provide multilingual emergency information through their websites or international centers.

The sustained earthquake activity in western Japan serves as a reminder that seismic preparedness is not a one-time task but an ongoing responsibility for all residents. While the Japan Meteorological Agency continues monitoring the situation, foreign residents should remain informed through reliable news sources and maintain readiness for potential future tremors in the affected regions.