Living with Earthquakes in Japan (MANAGEMENT) Case Study - H. E.

Question 1

Outline why Japan is in a strong position to manage the effects of earthquakes.

Answer 1

• Wealthy/strong economy
• Politically stable
• Developed education

Question 2

What is the name of the main centre of Japan’s research into earthquake activity?

Answer 2

Japan Meteorological Agency, JMA

Question 3

What does the Japan Meteorological Agency provide?

Answer 3

Information, warnings

Question 4

Which organisations are involved in disaster planning?

Answer 4

Governments, medics, fire services, military, transport, power and telecommunications companies

Question 5

Outline the five key elements of aseismic design.

Answer 5

• Steel frames capable of movement without breaking
• Rubber shock absorbers in foundations
• Very deep foundations
• ‘Soft storey’ eg car parks, it collapses so that higher floors sink down into it
• Building suspension bridges that are capable of movement

Question 6

How have communities prevented damage to older, wooden buildings?

Answer 6

Fireproof older wooden structures to minimise damage

Question 7

How has mapping been used to modify vulnerability in Japan?

Answer 7

• Permanent refuge sites that are well stocked and accessible
• Land-use zoning
• Controlling building on areas at risk of ground shaking and liquefaction

Question 8

What is Japan’s main goal in regards to modifying loss?

Answer 8

Rebuild physically, economically and socially as soon as possible

Question 9

How has Japan managed to modify loss effectively?

Answer 9

• Vast resources

- Well rehearsed in recovery and reconstruction

Question 10

How does Japan ensure that it is best prepared to successfully modify vulnerability and loss?

Answer 10

Constantly reappraising plans and methods after each event, eg strengthening structures after 1995 Kobe, reviewing tsunami warnings after March 2011 Tohoku