FEARS a catastrophic earthquake is building today grew after a fourth major tremor struck the same region in just 48 hours.
Increased seismic activity is causing fears of a major earthquake
There have been three large earthquakes recorded in recent days, including a major one in southern Japan which destroyed buildings and left at least 45 people injured, after Myanmar was rocked on Wednesday.
Tremors were also felt as far as 500 miles away at the national park in India where the Royal couple Kate and William were visiting.
The Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital confirmed 45 were injured, including five with serious injuries after a quake of magnitude 6.2 to 6.5 and a series of strong aftershocks ripped through Kumamoto city.
Several buildings were damaged or destroyed and at least six people are believed to be trapped under homes in Mashiki. Local reports said one woman was rescued in a critical condition
Scientists say there has been an above average number of significant earthquakes across south Asia and the Pacific since the start of the year.
The increased frequency has sparked fears of a repeat of the Nepal quake of 2015, where 8,000 people died, or even worse.
Roger Bilham, seismologist of University of Colorado, said: “The current conditions might trigger at least four earthquakes greater than 8.0 in magnitude.
“And if they delay, the strain accumulated during the centuries provokes more catastrophic mega earthquakes.”
