The probability of a major earthquake occurring within the next 30 years has increased significantly in eastern Hokkaido, including Kushiro and Nemuro, according to a new seismic hazard map released by a Japanese Government committee.  The 2018 national seismic hazard map indicates the danger of an earthquake measuring at least lower 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7. A review of the scale

and the probability of a quake occurring in the Chishima Trench on the Pacific side of Hokkaido led to the indication of a higher danger level for eastern Hokkaido.  The probability for Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido rose 22 percentage points from the previous map to 69 percent, while Nemuro saw its figure rise 15 points to 78 percent. The increases are attributed to the scale and probability of an earthquake occurring in the Chishima Trench, which was revised last year. READ MORE