Nearly 1,600 earthquakes have rocked southern Japan, forcing dozens of residents to evacuate isolated islands at risk of continued earthquakes.

Japan's southern region, in particular the island of Akuseki, has been hit by a series of nearly 1,600 earthquakes, forcing the evacuation of 44 of its 89 residents. Local authorities warn that seismic activity, possibly generated by an underwater volcano, could continue indefinitely. Experts are concerned about the risk of a "mega-quake" in the Nankai area, which could have devastating consequences. Japan is preparing with extra measures to deal with the threat.