Over 400 earthquakes rattle Japanese island chain
As of Thursday morning, 474 such earthquakes had been observed around the Tokara island chain, south of Kyushu, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.
“Seismic activity has increased. As this region has experienced extended periods of earthquake activity in the past, please be vigilant against earthquakes that cause strong shaking,” it said in a statement.
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The largest tremors recorded since Saturday were two magnitude-5.1 quakes, one on Sunday and one on Tuesday.
They had a seismic intensity of four on the Japanese scale — described as an earthquake in which “most people are startled”, dishes rattle and “hanging objects such as lamps swing significantly”.
A similar period of seismic activity in the Tokara area was seen in September 2023, when 346 earthquakes were recorded within 15 days, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Seven of the 12 remote Tokara Islands are inhabited, with around 700 residents in total.
The islands, some of which have active volcanoes, are reached by a ferry that runs twice weekly in good weather.
“An earthquake of up to magnitude-6 strength could take place, so please be vigilant,” Hisayoshi Yokose, a marine volcanology specialist and associate professor at Kumamoto University, told NHK.
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Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, sitting on top of four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.
US Warns Iran Against Closing Strait of Hormuz, Cites “Severe Consequences”
Washington, D.C. — The United States has issued a strong warning to Iran over any potential move to shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz following ongoing military operations in the region, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioning that such an action would attract “severe consequences.”
Rubio, speaking amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, stressed that the vital waterway must remain open to global shipping, describing any attempt by Iran to block access as unacceptable and destabilising.
“The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway that must remain open,” Rubio said. “If Iran chooses to close it after military operations conclude, it will face serious consequences. The United States will ensure that freedom of navigation is maintained.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, serving as a gateway for nearly a fifth of global petroleum supplies. Any disruption to its operations could send shockwaves through international energy markets and significantly impact global trade.
Tensions have escalated in recent days following military developments involving the United States and its regional allies, alongside growing concerns over Iran’s response. Analysts say Tehran has previously hinted at the possibility of leveraging the strait as a strategic pressure point during periods of conflict.
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Security experts warn that a closure of the narrow waterway could trigger a broader regional crisis, potentially drawing in global powers and leading to military confrontations at sea. The U.S. Navy, which maintains a strong presence in the region, has historically conducted operations to safeguard commercial shipping routes.
While Iranian officials have not formally announced any decision to block the strait, past rhetoric from Tehran has included threats to disrupt maritime traffic if its national interests are threatened.
In response, U.S. officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce. Rubio emphasised that any move to interfere with international shipping lanes would not only affect the United States but also have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.
Observers note that the warning underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and highlights the fragile security situation in the Gulf region. With tensions still simmering, diplomatic efforts are expected to continue alongside military preparedness.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful, with many nations urging restraint to avoid further escalation in an already volatile region.
China Thanks ‘Relevant Parties’ as Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions
The government of China has confirmed that three Chinese vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, expressing appreciation to “relevant parties” for facilitating their safe passage amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
Speaking on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the strait as a “vital corridor for global trade and energy supplies,” reiterating Beijing’s call for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of hostilities in the region.
“We express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided,” Mao said, without identifying the actors involved, in what analysts interpret as a diplomatic acknowledgment of coordinated security efforts in the waterway.
Ship-tracking data confirmed that at least two container vessels operated by COSCO Shipping exited the Gulf on Monday, completing a second attempt after aborting an earlier departure days before due to security concerns. The vessels reportedly sailed in tight formation and at increased speeds, heading toward the Gulf of Oman — a sign of heightened caution amid ongoing threats.
According to maritime data analyst Rebecca Gerdes of Kpler, the ships are among the first non-Iranian container vessels to successfully leave the Persian Gulf since the escalation of conflict, highlighting a cautious reopening of one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
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COSCO had earlier announced on March 25 that it would resume container bookings for shipments between Asia and Gulf destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, signaling cautious confidence in maritime security conditions.
The Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supply typically flows — has faced significant disruption since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel beginning in late February.
Security threats, including missile strikes, naval incidents, floating mines, and drone activity, have forced many shipping companies to halt or delay operations, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded and disrupting exports such as Saudi crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas.
Despite the risks, some vessels have cautiously resumed transit. Reports indicate that a Greek-operated oil tanker carrying Saudi crude recently exited the Gulf, while Indian-flagged LPG carriers also navigated the route successfully.
To mitigate risks, shipping operators have adopted defensive navigation strategies, including sailing at night, increasing speed, and in some cases switching off tracking transponders to reduce visibility.
China’s acknowledgment of assistance reflects its broader diplomatic stance, as Beijing continues to advocate for dialogue, restraint, and stability in the Gulf. As one of the world’s largest energy importers, China has a strategic interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.
Analysts say the successful transit of Chinese vessels signals a fragile but important development in global shipping, suggesting that limited movement may resume if security conditions improve — though risks remain high.
Canada Raises Permanent Residence, Citizenship Fees for Nigerians, Others
The Government of Canada has announced a significant increase in immigration fees, affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking permanent residence or Canadian citizenship. The fee hike will take effect on April 30, 2026, for permanent residence applications, while citizenship fees will rise slightly earlier, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The agency said the adjustments are part of a routine review to maintain efficient and timely immigration services, keep pace with inflation, and respond to growing demand. Applications received on or after the effective dates will be subject to the new fee structure.
Under the updated schedule, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee will increase from CA$575 to CA$600, while the Provincial Nominee Programme fee rises from CA$950 to CA$990. Business Class applications will see a jump of CA$85, moving from CA$1,810 to CA$1,895, and Family Class applications will increase from CA$545 to CA$570.
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Other categories affected include Protected Persons and applications on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures, each rising from CA$635 to CA$660. Permit Holders will pay CA$390, up from CA$375, and the Right of Citizenship Fee increases from CA$119.75 to CA$123, effective March 31, 2026.
The IRCC explained that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, immigration fees are reviewed every two years to ensure they cover program costs and sustain service delivery standards. While the increases are modest in some categories, the cumulative impact may be substantial for families or applicants submitting multiple applications.
Canada continues to be a preferred destination for Nigerians and other global migrants seeking work, study, or permanent settlement. Experts advise prospective applicants to submit applications before the fee hike to avoid higher costs, particularly for permanent residence, business class, and family sponsorship applications.
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