At approximately 4:43 PM on Thursday, August 8, 2024, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 occurred off the coast of Hyuga-nada, with a maximum intensity of lower 6 observed. Following this earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the "Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information”.

This announcement indicates that the possibility of a large-scale earthquake occurring in the expected epicentral area of the Nankai Trough, which includes Kansai region where Ritsumeikan University and its affiliated schools are located, has increased more than usual. However, it does not necessarily mean that a large-scale earthquake will occur.

Requests to students, pupils, faculty and staff members

In preparation for the possibility of a large-scale earthquake, please make the following preparations and remain calm, following the instructions of the government and local authorities in the event of such an earthquake.
Additionally, if a large-scale earthquake occurs in the future, the university and affiliated schools may conduct a safety confirmation. This will be done via email, so after ensuring your safety, please respond to the safety confirmation email.

Preparations for Earthquakes:

- Check your local hazard map to understand the risks of earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, etc.
- Confirm safe evacuation sites and routes.
- Establish an emergency contact method with your family.
- Prepare necessary items such as food, water, medicine, a flashlight, and a portable radio, so they can be quickly accessed even at bedtime.
- Sleep in clothes that allow for quick evacuation.
- Do not place items that could obstruct evacuation near the entrance or exit.
- Take measures to prevent furniture from toppling and windows from shattering.
- Prepare slippers or similar footwear that can be worn indoors immediately in case glass shatters.
- Increase your stockpile of water and food.
- Prepare portable toilets.
- Ensure you have spare batteries for portable radios and mobile phones.
- Read the "Disaster Prevention Guide" and review the procedures for responding to an earthquake.
　https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/disaster/manual/

Evacuation Information

Each municipality provides information on evacuation sites and other disaster-related information. In the event of a large-scale earthquake or other disasters, please check the latest information on the following site:

(Kyoto City)https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/gyozai/page/0000331121.html
(Kusatsu City)https://www.city.kusatsu.shiga.jp/kurashi/bosai/kikikanri.html
(Ibaraki City) https://www.city.ibaraki.osaka.jp/saigai/65241.html
(Nagaokakyo City)https://www.city.nagaokakyo.lg.jp/emergencyinfo/0000000270.html
(Uji City)https://www.city.uji.kyoto.jp/soshiki/25/80587.html
(Moriyama City) https://www.city.moriyama.lg.jp/machikankyobousai/anzenanshin/1001506/1001957/1010558.html

Those who are staying outside of those listed above should make sure to check disaster preparedness information, including the location of evacuation sites in their area.

Warning Period

Particular caution is required for about a week from now. However, since there is still a possibility of a large-scale earthquake occurring even after this period, always stay prepared and respond calmly based on accurate information if an earthquake occurs.