#84 Disaster prevention
How you can save your life in the unexpected event of an enormous earthquake.
Two weeks after the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck the Hokuriku region in the New Year 2024, more than 200 people have been confirmed dead in Ishikawa Prefecture. With many of the houses on the scene still untouched and destroyed, it has been an incredibly heartbreaking New Year for the residents affected by the disaster. There have been reports that tourists from abroad were also involved in the disaster, and there is a possibility that foreign visitors to Japan will encounter a massive earthquake in this earthquake-prone country. Knowing there is a good chance of experiencing such an earthquake, it is best to understand how to prepare yourself, and it could make a big difference in the outcome when the time comes.
With today's technology, predicting an earthquake's exact location, date, and time is nearly impossible. However, simply being aware of which areas Japanese experts are focusing on, how likely a major earthquake will occur shortly, and most importantly, what actions you should take at that time should significantly increase your chances of survival. This post will give you an overview of what you need to know in an emergency.
Last September, 100 years have passed since the Great Kanto Earthquake struck the southern Kanto region, leaving more than 100,000 people dead or missing. Since then, significant earthquakes have occurred regularly in various parts of Japan, including the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995 and the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
The Great Kanto Earthquake, which claimed more than 100,000 lives, occurred just before noon on September 1, 1923. Just imagining a considerable earthquake hitting the densely populated capital of Tokyo is enough to make your hair stand on end. Documents describing the situation at that time show that Tokyo was a hellscape. Fires caused by the earthquake took away people's escape routes, and a phenomenon known as a "fire whirlwind" struck evacuation centers, spreading the devastation. Most buildings then were wooden houses, and most of the victims were caused by fire. Please click and go to the site, and you will see the details of “Fire Whirlwind” in English video.
The epicentre was several hundred kilometres away when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck in 2011. Still, the capital city of Tokyo also experienced a significant quake, creating a large number of so-called "refugees" at terminal stations who were unable to move due to confusion over public transportation—long lines of people waiting for trains and buses formed at terminal stations such as Shinjuku and Shibuya. The situation would be unimaginable in the event of a catastrophic earthquake directly under the capital, especially for travelers from areas unaffected by earthquakes.
According to a forecast released in 2020 by the Headquarters for Earthquake Research and Study, a particular agency of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of the Japanese government, there is a 70% probability of a magnitude seven earthquake occurring within 30 years, which is assumed to be an earthquake directly under the capital. It is difficult to pinpoint the earthquake's location, and we must prepare for all possible locations. This "70% chance within 30 years" means that an earthquake may strike today or 30 years from now, or nothing may happen. Or there may be none in the meantime. However, knowing that there is a certain probability of an earthquake and not preparing as much as possible will lead to massive regret at that time.
Lessons from the Great Kanto Earthquake
Thinking back to the Great Kanto Earthquake 100 years ago, what lessons can we learn from it? With 100,000 dead or missing, it was the worst natural disaster in Japan's history. About 87% of people were dead by fire, and most houses at the time were made of wood. In addition, the strong winds made the situation much worse on that date.
Even 100 years later, fire will undoubtedly be the greatest threat in densely populated Tokyo. Experts predict that even today, 70% of deaths in the event of an earthquake directly under the capital would be caused by fire. All travelers must take extra precautions, especially in wooden facilities such as inns. So, what specific actions should everyone take?
Avoid densely wooded areas
Among the 23 wards of Tokyo, there are still many densely wooded areas, especially in Arakawa, Adachi, and Nakano wards, along Loop Route 7. If you do not have a particular preference for accommodations, you should choose a hotel made of concrete. Many densely wood-frame neighborhoods exist in Tokyo's so-called "downtown" areas. Suppose you must stay at an inn in a densely wooded area. In that case, you should check the location of nearby evacuation centers to ensure a smooth evacuation in an emergency. The taller the building, the more critical it is to check the location of emergency exits and evacuation routes once you arrive.
It's not always a good idea to return to where you stay
If you encounter a huge earthquake, before returning to your lodging, please check your location and accommodation and evacuate to a wide-area evacuation site, prioritizing safety. Return to your accommodations only after all safety has been confirmed. Just as it is not always safe for those of us who live in Tokyo to return to our homes after going out, travelers should also ensure that it is safe to return to their hotels. When traveling, be careful of falling objects from tall buildings. Also, if you are in a building, please leave the elevator immediately to ensure you're safe.
Tsunami in coastal areas
The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake caused extensive damage in coastal areas from the tsunami. The accident caused by flooding at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is still fresh in our minds. When a significant earthquake strikes, especially in a location facing the open sea, tsunamis can reach coastal areas alarmingly. Japan's meteorological agency notifies the impact of a tsunami in a preliminary report along with the seismic intensity of the quake. The bulletins are divided into "major tsunami warning," "tsunami warning," and "tsunami advisory" according to the size of the expected tsunami. When a warning regarding a tsunami is issued, you should immediately move to higher ground in the vicinity. The only way to protect yourself from a tsunami is to evacuate to higher ground.
A Google search for Disaster Prevention brings up numerous sites. The Japanese government and local administrative offices issue information individually, which may need clarification on what they should base their decisions on. The perspectives I have mentioned are just a few examples, but I am still trying to sort out which sites to share with my readers. I want to organise the most helpful information sources for you soon.
However, I always pay attention to the following things: earthquake countermeasures.
If you are in a building, wait under a table until the shaking stops.
At the same time, clean up the fire and try not to start a fire.
When the shaking stops, be ready to move to a "wide-area evacuation site" when necessary.
If you are in a coastal area, check tsunami information on TV or the Internet. When a Tsunami alert is issued, move to higher ground immediately.
Install multiple disaster response apps on your smartphone so that you will receive push notifications at any time.
Could you check emergency exits and evacuation routes when you are out?
Stockpile water and food at home for a certain period.
Consider that mobile phone lines are out of service during a major earthquake.
Please prepare a sizeable mobile battery in case of an extended power outage.
So far, I have written about a massive earthquake that may strike the Tokyo metropolitan area. It has yet to be determined when that earthquake will strike and on what scale. However, I hope you remember that a significant earthquake is always possible in Tokyo. This mind should lead you to the following action when the time comes. Please be ready at any time for your life.
I remember that last earthquake in Tokyo, friend there wrote about it.
Please stay safe 🙏💙
Thanks for your kind comments, Joyce. We are living our everyday lives, knowing that one day, a massive earthquake will hit the capital city of Tokyo. I pray that a gigantic earthquake will not destroy this peaceful daily life. However, I would like to be at least minimally prepared to protect my life at that time.