The Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory dispatched a survey team to Fuji-Kawaguchiko and Otsuki to inspect seismometers and assess local damage [1, 2].
These inspections are critical for ensuring that earthquake monitoring infrastructure remains operational during aftershocks. Accurate data from these stations allows the Japan Meteorological Agency to provide timely warnings to residents in high-risk zones.
The field investigation followed an earthquake that occurred around 10:30 p.m. on June 26, 2024 [2, 4]. The survey team arrived at the sites on June 27, 2024, to verify if the instruments had functioned correctly and to check for surrounding structural damage [1, 2].
Seismic intensity varied across the region. A lower-6 intensity was observed in the town of Fuji-Kawaguchiko [2]. Meanwhile, Otsuki recorded an intensity of upper-5 [2]. Other areas, including Kofu City and Fuji-Yoshida City, experienced a lower-5 intensity [2].
The agency is prioritizing the stability of these monitoring points to prepare for potential secondary disasters. The survey team focused on the physical integrity of the seismometer installations, and the stability of the surrounding terrain [1, 2].
Officials have advised residents to remain vigilant. The agency said there is a risk of aftershocks and landslides for approximately one week following the initial event [1].
“A lower-6 intensity was observed in the town of Fuji-Kawaguchiko.”
The immediate deployment of technical teams to verify seismic data reflects Japan's strategy of combining real-time digital monitoring with physical ground-truthing. By confirming that seismometers in Fuji-Kawaguchiko and Otsuki survived the initial shock, the agency ensures the reliability of the early warning system during the critical one-week window when aftershocks are most likely to trigger further landslides.
