2024-01-05T06:29:24+00:00
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The Economic Times reported on Friday that Japan is following a five-pronged plan to confront natural disasters, especially earthquakes.
The number of deaths, which did not exceed 100 despite the severity of the earthquake, raised many questions about the progress Japan witnessed in confronting the earthquake, and whether the country became capable of dealing with such disasters.
According to a report by the newspaper, the five axes that Japan has followed to reduce the danger of earthquakes include the following:
First: earthquake-resistant buildings and trains
The Japanese authorities have set special and strict construction requirements to make buildings capable of withstanding certain degrees of vibration, which include all residential, commercial, school and hospital buildings.
Japan has also equipped its trains with sensors that make them stop in place to avoid danger while traveling in the event of earthquakes.
Second: wareness and education
Schools in Japan play an important role in awareness and training, so that evacuation drills are conducted at least once a month, to teach children at an early age to search for a place to stay safe in the event of an earthquake, or how to search for safe places by directing them to go to open spaces.
Third: Earthquake survival package
Every home and building in Japan has survival kits or kits available, which include flashlights, pre-prepared food, bottled water, gloves, masks and walkie-talkies to receive updates on weather conditions and risk levels.
Fourth: network of tunnels for water drainage
With the occurrence of earthquakes, the risk of floods due to tsunamis or rain increases, which is why the authorities have built a special network of water tunnel drainage, which redirects water to nearby rivers.
Fifth: Media communication
The media in Japan maintain official and real-time coverage of earthquakes, providing information about safe areas and whether there are approaching tsunamis in order to alert people to escape to higher ground.
How can other countries implement Japan’s earthquake safety measures effectively?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Earthquake Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning and welcome to our special feature on disaster preparedness. Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, a leading expert in earthquake engineering and disaster management! Dr. Tanaka, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Japan has recently been noted for its impressive measures in handling earthquakes, especially given the relatively low number of casualties from recent incidents. Can you tell us about the five-pronged strategy the Japanese government has implemented?
Dr. Tanaka: Certainly! Japan’s approach is multifaceted, focusing on various aspects of disaster preparedness and response. The first axis is developing earthquake-resistant buildings and trains. This involves rigorous engineering standards and regular updates to construction codes to ensure the safety of our infrastructure.
Editor: That’s quite impressive! So, safety standards play a crucial role in minimizing damage and casualties. How has this evolved over the years?
Dr. Tanaka: Absolutely. After each major earthquake, we conduct thorough analyses and make necessary adjustments to our building codes. The Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 was a pivotal moment that prompted significant reforms. Now, buildings and transportation systems incorporate advanced technologies, such as shock absorbers and flexible designs that can withstand seismic activity.
Editor: Speaking of transportation, how does Japan’s railway system ensure passenger safety during earthquakes?
Dr. Tanaka: Our rail systems are equipped with state-of-the-art detection technology that can sense ground movement. In the event of an earthquake, trains automatically slow down and pause to prevent accidents. This proactive approach has saved countless lives.
Editor: That’s fascinating! What about the second axis of Japan’s strategy?
Dr. Tanaka: The second focus is public education and awareness. We conduct regular drills and educational programs to prepare citizens for earthquake scenarios. Understanding the risks and knowing how to respond—like “drop, cover, and hold on”—is crucial in minimizing panic and injuries.
Editor: Right, human behavior plays a significant role in crisis response. What other components are part of this five-pronged plan?
Dr. Tanaka: The third and fourth axes include emergency response systems and community resilience. Japan has an extensive emergency management framework, and local governments play a vital role in coordinating responses. the fifth axis emphasizes the importance of research and technology in improving our understanding of earthquakes and enhancing prediction capabilities.
Editor: It appears Japan is leading by example. With the advancements being made, do you believe other countries could adopt a similar strategy?
Dr. Tanaka: Definitely. Countries that face natural disasters can learn from Japan’s experience. It’s essential to create tailored solutions based on local needs and risks. Investing in infrastructure, community training, and early warning systems can significantly reduce the impact of earthquakes worldwide.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for sharing these invaluable insights with us! Japan’s proactive measures and emphasis on education truly set a benchmark for disaster preparedness.
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for having me! I hope this conversation encourages more countries to enhance their disaster preparedness strategies. Together, we can save lives.
Editor: Absolutely! We appreciate your time. Stay safe and informed, everyone.