Over 1,000 quakes rock Japan, fueling fears over a July 5 earthquake prediction from a viral manga. Officials deny scientific basis, urge calm.

Japanese authorities urged the 89 residents of a small southern island to evacuate after a strong earthquake on Thursday, the latest of more than 1,000 recent jolts to hit the area. Residents were urged to evacuate to "a school playground in Akuseki Island",

The 'prediction' made by a manga author has sparked panic and a decline in bookings around July 5, the day that she claims an earthquake will trigger a massive tsunami. Authorities have reiterated that it is impossible to predict earthquakes.