Japan EQ 2011

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Thrust Faulting on Subduction Zone between Pacific and North American Plates
Potential for tsunamis

Question 2

Primary Impacts

Answer 2

15,894 deaths, 6152 injured
130,000 people displaced and 2500 remain missing
330,000 buildings destroyed
300 hospitals damaged, 11 destroyed completely
Tsunami waves happened quickly - only 58% of people took this risk seriously and evacuated

Question 3

Secondary Impacts

Answer 3

Tsunami waves hit 50% of people who didn’t evacuate
Nuclear power station meltdown
Huge transport disruption
Over 800 mini earthquakes occurred as a result
Tsunami was 40m high and devastated entire towns - caused liquefaction
Landslides caused

Question 4

Long Term Impacts

Answer 4

Biggest cost of any natural disaster ever - $235 Billion
$360 billion lost in total
Failed defence systems - public confidence tested
Japanese economy became unstable and uncertain
Leadership deficit

Question 5

Short Term Response

Answer 5

No disaster assistance plans were set up beforehand
But response was rapid and effective
Emergency Command Centre set up in Tokyo
100,000 members of defence force sent rapidly to help
Food, Water and Shelter provided quickly

Question 6

Long Term Response

Answer 6

163 countries provided aid and assistance
19,000 people rescued and 9500 bodies recovered
Situational Awareness Development
US Support - 16000 personnel, 15 vessels and 140 aircraft sent