Case Study - Kobe, Japan Flashcards
how many people were killed?
in the earthquake?
in the fires that broke out shortly after?
around 5500 total
1000 in the quake
4000-5000 in the fires
how did the timing of the earthquake increase the scale of the damage?
it happened at 5.45 in the morning whilst most were still in bed.
As many were living in traditional wooden Japanese houses they had little protection.
why is Kobe a globally important location?
6th Largest city in Japan and a major port
what were the causes of the earthquake?
- destructive plate boundaries
- Philippines plate is being subducted beneath the lighter continental Eurasian Plate
what were the social impacts of the earthquake?
5500 casualties
-300,000 people were made homeless as many traditional Japanese houses were lost - lost heritage
what were the economic impacts of the disaster?
damage worth an estimated £100 billion due to damage to infrastructure and industry - this also affected economic output.
Hanshin Expressway collapsed in many places.
Japan’s economy contracted by up to 2% as its export market was harmed. Global prices in Japanese good rose
what were the environmental impacts of the disaster?
leaking and broken gas pipes caught fire throughout the city
clean, fresh water supply was restricted until April of 1995. (4 months later)
Roads were blocked including parts of the Hanshin Expressway which hindered the response of authorities.
what were the political impacts?
As lines for the high-speed bullet trains collapsed in several places and trains were derailed, it damaged perceptions that Japan was resistant to the effects of earthquakes.
The Hanshin Expressway collapsed in spite of being rated to withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake. This damaged faith in the authorities to keep people safe.
what were the local responses?
First responders were able to control the fires, rescue the stranded and provide food and shelter.
Efforts were underway to remove unsafe buildings and clear streets within a week.
What was the national response?
troops and equipment arrived promptly from Tokyo, many roads in the region were closed except for emergency services.
roads and railways were opened with two weeks as basic services like water, gas and telephones were reinstated by July.
what was the international response?
international aid was offered but rejected by Japan which had adequate funds to help the city recover and rehome people quickly.
How did the Kobe earthquake improve mitigation strategies in Japan?
- more investment in earthquake-proof buildings, most recently constructed buildings managed to withstand the earthquake.
- a new monitoring system has been put in place to try and predict future earthquakes, but it is often limited effectiveness.
- renewed focus on education, regular drills, earthquake preparedness day.
How did the Kobe earthquake improve mitigation strategies in Japan?
- more investment in earthquake-proof buildings, most recently constructed buildings managed to withstand the earthquake.
- a new monitoring system has been put in place to try and predict future earthquakes, but it is often limited effectiveness.
- renewed focus on education, regular drills, earthquake preparedness day.
