Japan warns of possible megaquake, potential 98-foot tsunami
Japan warns of possible megaquake, potential 98-foot tsunami

Officials said the megaquake advisory is not a prediction and the probability of a magnitude 8 or larger quake is only about 1%, but there’s hope it will serve as a wake-up call.
Read the full article on CBS World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate, reflecting the warnings issued by Japanese authorities regarding a potential megaquake and tsunami. While the article accurately conveys the potential severity, the framing and word choice lean towards sensationalism, contributing to a moderate bias. The probability of the event is mentioned, but the focus remains on the potential devastation.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Japan warns of possible megaquake, potential 98-foot tsunami.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms the warning of a megaquake and potential 98-foot tsunamis.
- Verification Source #2: Confirms the potential for a megaquake and a tsunami up to 98 feet.
- Verification Source #3: Confirms the potential for a megaquake and a 98-foot tsunami.
- Verification Source #4: Confirms Japan's warning about a potential megaquake.
- Verification Source #5: Confirms the Japan Meteorological Agency warns of a possible megaquake and tsunami waves rising over 98 feet.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources.
- Claim: The probability of a magnitude 8 or larger quake is only about 1%.
- Verification Source #0: The CBS article states this claim.
- Assessment: Supported by the original article, but not explicitly verified by the other sources. The other sources focus on the potential impact rather than the probability.
- Claim: The megaquake could kill up to 300,000 people.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms that the event could kill up to 300,000 people.
- Verification Source #4: Confirms that a potential megaquake could kill nearly 300,000.
- Verification Source #3: States that another offshore megaquake could kill 199,000 people.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources, although source 3 provides a slightly different estimate of fatalities.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: 'The Japanese government has warned that this event could kill up to 300,000 people, with tsunamis reaching an enormous 98 feet in some parts.'
- Source 3: 'Another offshore megaquake could cause a 98-foot tsunami, kill 199000 people, and destroy 220000 buildings.'
