「Earthquake」カテゴリーアーカイブ

Day_112 : The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and Disaster Prevention Day(Tentative)

September 1 is Disaster Prevention Day in Japan. This is because of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. This quake caused over 105,000 casualties and had huge impacts on Japanese society. The Great Kanto Earthquake is the worst disaster in Japanese history. Here, some points are picked up. First, the quake directly attacks the capital city, Tokyo. Second, the disaster killed so many people mainly by fire, not objects falling. Third, rumors made the disaster worse. Fourth, Tokyo has recovered first and strongly.
With regard to the devastated areas, Tokyo and Kanagawa (Yokohama) populated areas were severely affected by the quake. The epicenter was located near Oshima Island in Sagami Bay, south of Tokyo. In Yokohama, 90 percent of all homes were damaged or destroyed. 60 percent of the city’s population became homeless (Brown University).
Concerning the fire, the time at which the earthquake hit was 11:58, so the families had prepared for their lunches. Many families’ cooking stoves were overturned by the quake, causing fires. The fire spread out with strong winds.
In respect of the rumors, the rumors, especially about Koreans, such as “Koreans do criminal activities and cause social confusion,” make the disaster more political. The Home Ministry declared martial law and ordered all sectional police chiefs to make maintenance of order and security top priorities. After the disaster, the radio became popular all over Japan. This is because of the disaster’s lessons.
Concerning the recovery, Shinpei Goto, Mayor of Tokyo, created and proceeded with a reconstruction plan for Tokyo to rebuild better. The basic infrastructure of today’s Tokyo was built during that time. 

*Death numbers were revised after the recent research from over 140,000 to 105,000 because there were several double countings.

Day_195 : Scientists and Disaster Management Controversy issues with a L’Aquila Earthquake Case

The L’Aquila earthquake, which struck the Abruzzo region of Italy on April 6, 2009, was a significant case study for both scientists and disaster risk management professionals for several reasons. With a magnitude of 6.3, this earthquake caused extensive damage to the medieval city of L’Aquila, resulting in the deaths of more than 300 people, injuring over a thousand, and leaving tens of thousands of people homeless. Beyond the immediate physical damage and tragic loss of life, the L’Aquila earthquake raised important issues related to earthquake prediction, risk communication, and the responsibilities of scientists and authorities in disaster risk management.

Scientific Aspects and Controversies

The occurrence of earthquakes sparked a controversial debate over the ability to predict earthquakes and the communication of seismic risks to the public. Before the earthquake, a series of tremors were felt in the region, leading to heightened public concern. A week before the major earthquake, a meeting of the Major Risks Committee, which included government officials and scientists, was held to assess the situation. The committee concluded that it was not possible to predict whether a stronger earthquake would occur but reassured the public, suggesting a low likelihood of a major event. Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake struck shortly thereafter.

This situation has led to significant controversy, particularly regarding the role and communication strategies of scientists and government officials in disaster risk management. Critics argued that reassurances were misleading and contributed to a false sense of security among the population.

Legal and Ethical Issues

In a highly controversial decision, six Italian scientists and one government official were initially found guilty of manslaughter in 2012 for underestimating the risks and failing to adequately warn the population. This verdict was widely criticized by the international scientific community, which argued that it was unreasonable to expect scientists to accurately predict earthquakes. The verdict was largely overturned in 2014, with the convictions of scientists being annulled and the sentence of the government official being reduced.

Disaster Risk Management Implications

The L’Aquila earthquake underscored the importance of effective disaster-risk management and communication strategies. Key lessons include:

  1. Communication of Uncertainty: It highlighted the need for clear communication of scientific uncertainty to the public. Conveying the inherent uncertainties in earthquake prediction is crucial for helping individuals and communities make informed decisions about risk reduction and preparedness.
  2. Public Education and Preparedness: The tragedy reinforced the need for ongoing public education on disaster preparedness and the importance of building earthquake-resilient communities.
  3. Building Codes and Urban Planning: Ensuring strict adherence to earthquake-resistant building codes and urban planning practices is vital in reducing the vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure.
  4. Multi-disciplinary Approach: The event demonstrated the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach that includes not only seismologists but also engineers, urban planners, emergency management professionals, and policymakers in disaster risk management planning and response.
  5. Ethical Responsibilities: The aftermath raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of scientists and the balance between preventing public panic and ensuring preparedness.

The L’Aquila earthquake remains a case study of the complex interplay among science, policy, ethics, and public communication in the context of natural disaster risk management.

Day_193 : Plates and Earthquakes

Earthquakes are caused by the cracking of the plates of rock (bedrock) that lie beneath the earth. Over time, forces build up on these rock plates and eventually they break. The force produced at that time is felt as an earthquake. The main reason for the plates to break is the movement of several large plates that cover the earth. These plates cover the surface of the earth and come in various sizes and shapes. When these plates collide or pass each other, earthquakes are likely to occur.

The Pacific Rim Seismic Zone, which encircles the Pacific Ocean, and the Himalayan-Alpine Seismic Zone, which extends from Indonesia through the Himalayas to the Mediterranean Sea. Japan is in the Pacific Rim seismic zone, and earthquakes occur frequently because of the movement of multiple plates beneath the ground. Depending on how these plates move, large and small earthquakes occur. Large earthquakes are especially likely to occur near deep ocean bottoms (ocean trenches). As the plates move, forces build up on land, which can also cause earthquakes.

 

Day_153 : Reported Death Numbers

I will update a column of the NIED e-mail magazine which I wrote a long time ago because the content is not faded with time. (I will do this step by step in Japanese and English.) I will also add comments to update the situation.

Published February 4, 2010
NIED-DIL e-mail magazine: Reported fatalities due to disasters

January 12 There was a big earthquake in Haiti. The consequences are still a major social issue, but at an early stage, the President declared that the number of casualties reached 200,000.

At the time of the Hurricane Katrina disaster at the end of August 2005, the first report was 10,000 casualties. But, in the end, there were about 1,300. I felt that nationality, culture, and so on became apparent compared to Japan.

A typical case in Japan is the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. I was living in Kyoto and worked in Kyoto City at that time. I remember that around 7 a.m., it was reported on TV that there were only a few deaths. As time went by, it increased to hundreds and thousands.

The U.S. tends to have a top-down and strategic approach; on the other hand, Japan seeks bottom-up and accurate process to disclose the number. In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, reported death tolls in affected countries fluctuated, but taking this into account is a way to understand the disasters that reflect the country’s situations, including social backgrounds, cultures, economies, and so on.

Regarding Haiti, the number of reported deaths increases with time. I pray that the number will not be so huge.

P.S.
For example, the following World Vision website considers the current estimated death to be 250,000. In short, the first report ended up gaining some meaning.

https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2010-haiti-earthquake-facts

Day_58: Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) and Kobe Earthquake

ADRC is established in 1998 after the Kobe Earthquake. Kobe city’s population had caught up the same level before the disaster in 9 years. Kobe reinvents itself as a center of disaster reduction policies and activities in the world. There are so many disaster-related organizations in HAT Kobe. The HAT means “Happy and Active” and also “surprised” in Japanese. This is a good example to refer to for the disaster recovery process. We can learn the lessons from Kobe. ADRC contributes to disaster reduction policies and activities for member countries in Asia. We can check member countries disaster management systems, country reports, and others. We can also confirm the updated disasters on the ADRC’s website.

*ADRC member countries information site.

http://www.adrc.asia/disaster/index.php

** Disaster Information
http://www.adrc.asia/latest/index.php

Day_123 : 1995 Kobe Earthquake victims (2)- Golden 72 hours

Day_76 gave you the following two inquiries on the 1995 Kobe earthquake:.
1) Why were so many early 20’s victims victimized?
2) Which floor is more dangerous, 1st or 2nd?

Day_76 : 1995 Kobe Earthquake victims

 

The next question is: what can you say about the following Figure 1?

rescue
Figure 1: Search & Rescue Operation Statistics

You can see the survival rate dramatically dropped after 3 days and 72 hours. The experts say this 72 hours after the disaster, especially earthquake, is golden 72 hours. This is a well-known phrase even before the Kobe earthquake.

Day_107 : Italy-Recent earthquake and past earthquake disasters

Below is the outline of the earthquake disaster in Italy from ADRC.
“A magnitude 6.2 quake hit at 03:36 (01:36 GMT) on April 24, 2016, 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome, in central Italy. More than 70 people were killed in the earthquake.”

However, Reuters mentioned, “The death toll from a devastating earthquake in central Italy climbed to 250 on Thursday as rescue teams scoured mounds of rubble for a second day in towns and villages flattened by the natural disaster.” on Friday, two days after the quake.

In addition, the source also added, “Almost 200 of the victims died in Amatrice, which is famed for a local pasta dish and was full of holiday makers ahead of its 50th annual food festival, set for this weekend.”

Historically speaking, Italy has had a lot of earthquake disasters that have caused huge numbers casualties. Italy has had 44 earthquakes that have caused over 1,000 deaths since 1600. The interval is approximately . 25 years. They happened mostly in the central and southern part of Italy around the Apennine mountains and caused huge casualties. One of the reasons they had a large number of casualties was the stone-built houses.

Table 1 and Table 2 show the 1900–2016 top 10 deadliest and costliest disasters in Italy (EM-DAT).

Table 1: Total deaths
Italy deadliest

Table 2: Total damage
Italy costliest disasters

Southern Italy had an earthquake (M6.9) in Campania (1980 Irpinia earthquake), the dead number is approximately . 4700, damage is 20 billion USD. The 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (M6.3) occurred and caused approximately death and 2.5 billion USD damage. This earthquake became controversial because the scientists and government officers were sentenced to six years in prison for their false announcement. The quality of construction also became an issues “Once again, we are faced with a lack of control over the quality of construction.” “In California, an earthquake like this one would not have killed a single person,” Franco Barberi, who heads a committee assessing earthquake risks at Italy’s Civil Protection agency, told reporters in L’Aquila (Reuters AlertNet) after the quake.

1908 Messina earthquake (M7.1) had caused the highest death number (75,000) in Italian history since 1900.

Reuters said still now (26, 2016), “Italy has a poor record of rebuilding after quakes. About 8,300 people who were forced to leave their houses after a deadly earthquake in L’Aquila in 2009 are still living in temporary accommodation.”

 

Day_184: Thorough Comprehension of Earthquakes

Analyzing the Origins of Earthquakes

Tectonic plate motion is the predominant catalyst for seismic activity on a global scale. The lithosphere, which comprises the outermost layer of the Earth, consists of numerous sizable tectonic plates that undergo gradual movement over extended periods. When these tectonic plates converge, they can cause immense levels of compression, resulting in seismic activity known as earthquakes. Volcanic eruptions can induce seismic events, just as human activities like drilling and mining can trigger earthquakes. The geographical coordinates and magnitude of an earthquake can also be affected by the composition and structure of the soil and rock in the vicinity.

Earthquake Classifications

Earthquakes can be classified into various categories, such as tectonic, volcanic, and human-induced earthquakes. Tectonic earthquakes result from the displacement of tectonic plates, whereas volcanic earthquakes arise from volcanic processes. Anthropogenic earthquakes are triggered by human activities such as mining and drilling. Earthquakes can exhibit varying levels of severity, ranging from minor shakes to extensive devastation.

Seismic Magnitude Scales

The seismic intensity of an earthquake is quantified using the Richter scale, which spans from 1 to 10. The Richter scale quantifies the magnitude of the seismic waves produced by an earthquake. As the magnitude increases, the amount of energy produced by the earthquake also increases. The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is an alternative scale employed for quantifying the intensity of an earthquake. The purpose of this scale is to assess the impact of an earthquake on individuals, structures, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Impacts of Earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause various impacts, which vary based on their magnitude and location. Minor seismic events may result in just minimal vibrations; however, more powerful seismic events can lead to extensive devastation, encompassing structural impairment to buildings, roads, and other essential infrastructure. Earthquakes have the potential to induce landslides, tsunamis, and other consequential phenomena, which can result in further destruction and casualties.

Earthquake Forecasting and Early Warning Systems

Notwithstanding the numerous technological improvements, earthquakes remain unpredictable and might occur at any given moment. Scientists have devised many techniques to forecast earthquakes, such as monitoring seismic activity and detecting alterations in the earth’s crust. Early warning systems can additionally offer crucial time for individuals to proactively respond prior to the occurrence of an earthquake, such as vacating structures and finding refuge.

Earthquakes of the past

Throughout the course of history, seismic activities have resulted in extensive devastation and significant loss of human lives. Notable earthquakes throughout history include the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the 1960 Chile earthquake, and the 2011 Japan earthquake. These seismic events serve as a poignant reminder of the formidable potency of this natural occurrence and the significance of being well-prepared.

Day_183: Introduction of Understanding Earthquakes

Earthquakes, being a natural phenomena, have generated both attraction and fear among people worldwide. We are aware of earthquakes leading to enormous devastation, fatalities, property damage, and potentially initiating tsunamis. Despite the numerous technological developments, earthquakes remain unpredictable and have the potential to occur at any given moment and location.

An earthquake is the result of a sudden slip between two blocks of the earth’s crust, which leads to the release of energy in the form of seismic waves. Seismic waves propagate through the Earth’s crust and can be monitored by devices known as seismometers. Earthquakes occur in various regions of the planet, encompassing terrestrial areas, subaquatic environments, and even within the earth’s mantle. The seismic intensity of an earthquake is quantified using the Richter scale, which spans from 1 to 10.

Earthquakes result from a multitude of sources, encompassing tectonic plate displacement, volcanic eruptions, and even anthropogenic operations like mining and drilling.

Day_177: Earthquake Preparedness and Response: Lessons from Turkey’s Seismic History

Image Source: FreeImages

The recent severe earthquake in Turkey has caused significant suffering throughout the country. This catastrophe serves as a stark reminder that natural disasters are far from ordinary occurrences. It is essential for us to learn and grow from each experience, not only within the affected country but also on a global scale. The article discusses Turkey’s earthquake history and how the nation has implemented lessons learned from past events. This analysis highlights the importance of continuous learning in order to better prepare for and respond to such disasters.

Introduction to Turkey’s seismic history

Turkey, a country bordering Europe and Asia, has suffered earthquakes before. It is incredibly vulnerable to these disasters because of its location on the seismically active Anatolian Plate. Turkey has historically seen some of the most damaging earthquakes in the world. Understanding the nation’s seismic history and drawing from its experiences can teach other countries valuable lessons on preparing for and responding to earthquakes.

A better understanding of how to predict, prepare for, and respond to these catastrophes has been made possible by the terrible impacts of earthquakes on Turkey. The country’s response plans have improved, using new engineering innovations and construction techniques to reduce casualties and property damage. In this post, we will examine Turkey’s seismic past, the significance of Adobe architecture there, and the lessons we can draw from Turkey to improve our readiness for and response to earthquakes.

Understanding earthquakes: Causes and types

Energy is released during the shifting and grinding of tectonic plates, which results in earthquakes. Large plates that make up the Earth’s crust are constantly moving and can collide, divide, or slide past one another, which can cause the ground to shake. Tectonic, volcanic, and induced earthquakes are the three main categories of earthquakes. The movement of the Earth’s plates causes the most frequent earthquakes, known as tectonic earthquakes. While induced earthquakes are brought on by human activity, like the mining of natural resources or the construction of huge reservoirs, volcanic earthquakes are brought on by the flow of magma beneath the Earth’s surface.

The Anatolian Plate, which is being compressed between the Eurasian and Arabian Plates, is Turkey’s leading cause of seismic activity. This tectonic activity has created numerous fault lines nationwide, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. For instance, the North Anatolian Fault, a strike-slip fault with a length of more than 1,000 kilometers, has caused multiple disastrous earthquakes in Turkey’s history.

The Significance of Adobe Structures in Turkey

Turkish architecture has long used adobe constructions built of soil mixed with straw or other organic materials. These constructions, frequently seen in rural locations, have served as fortifications, houses, and public facilities. The key benefits of Adobe structures are their affordability, simplicity, and great thermal qualities, which assist in maintaining a comfortable interior temperature all year round.

However, regarding seismic activity, Adobe constructions also suffer from serious drawbacks. These structures are particularly prone to collapsing during earthquakes because of their weight and low tensile strength. Throughout Turkey’s history, many large earthquakes have painfully illustrated this susceptibility, resulting in the death of countless people and extensive destruction.

Due to this, Turkey’s rising focus is on enhancing the seismic performance of Adobe structures. Researchers and engineers have been working on developing innovative techniques and materials to increase the earthquake resistance of these traditional structures and preserve their cultural relevance while ensuring the safety of their occupants’ safety.

Major earthquakes in Turkey’s history and their impact

Throughout its history, Turkey has been the site of many large earthquakes, some of which have had devastating effects. The Erzincan earthquake in 1939, the Izmit earthquake in 1999, and the Van earthquake in 2011 are three of the most famous. These seismic occurrences resulted in extensive property damage and fatalities and changed the nation’s strategy for earthquake preparedness and response.

Approximately 33,000 people perished in the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Erzincan in 1939, and many more were injured or left homeless. This catastrophe made it clear that better seismic monitoring, prediction, and earthquake-resistant building techniques are required.

With nearly 17,000 fatalities and more than 50,000 injuries, the 1999 Izmit earthquake, which registered a 7.6 on the Richter scale, was among the deadliest and most catastrophic in modern Turkish history. The significant destruction brought on by this incident highlights the significance of strengthening earthquake preparedness and response strategies.

The most recent earthquake, the 7.1 magnitude Van earthquake in 2011, significantly damaged the Adobe structures in the area, killing over 600 people and displacing thousands more. This catastrophe also emphasized the necessity for improvements in construction methods and supplies for Adobe to improve its seismic performance.

Earthquake preparedness: What we can learn from Turkey

Turkey’s earthquake experiences have taught the country important lessons about preparedness. Adopting strict building regulations that account for seismic risks is crucial to earthquake preparedness. Turkey has made tremendous progress in this area; as of present, the country’s building codes demand that buildings be built resistant to earthquakes.

The creation and upkeep of early warning systems is vital to earthquake preparedness. Turkey has made significant investments in seismic monitoring and early warning systems, which can give locals crucial information in the minutes before an earthquake. By giving people enough time to take refuge or flee dangerous structures, this early warning can help save lives and reduce damage.

Finally, vital elements of earthquake preparedness are public awareness and education. Turkey has put a lot of effort into informing its inhabitants about the dangers of earthquakes and the essential safety measures to follow in the case of one. These are examples of regular earthquake exercises in schools, public awareness campaigns, and the distribution of earthquake safety informational materials.

Building earthquake-resistant Adobe structures

Several important regions have been the focus of efforts to increase the seismic performance of Adobe structures in Turkey. To strengthen their tensile strength and earthquake resistance, old Adobe buildings have been reinforced with contemporary materials like steel or concrete. Concrete columns, reinforced Adobe bricks, or the installation of steel reinforcement bars can all be used to achieve this.

Another strategy is the creation of fresh construction methods that more evenly disperse seismic pressures across the building. Using adaptable hardwood frameworks, using seismic-resistant design concepts, or using cutting-edge materials like fiber-reinforced Adobe are a few examples of how to do this.

Turkish scientists and engineers are also looking into the possibility of enhancing the earthquake resistance of Adobe constructions by employing locally derived ecological materials. This includes using natural fibers to increase the tensile strength of Adobe bricks, such as hemp or straw.

Effective earthquake response strategies in Turkey

The tactics used in Turkey to respond to earthquakes have also been informed. The quick deployment of rescue teams to find and aid stranded or injured people is crucial to an effective earthquake response. Specialized search and rescue squads in Turkey have received funding for training and equipment, and they are frequently among the first to arrive in earthquake-affected areas.

The provision of temporary housing and other services to displaced populations is a vital component of the earthquake response. Turkey has established an effective system for disaster response, including pre-stocked emergency supplies and temporary housing that can be quickly distributed to impacted communities after an earthquake.

Finally, effective earthquake response requires coordinated efforts from national and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. In the wake of significant earthquakes, Turkey has shown the usefulness of such cooperation, with international aid frequently playing an essential part in the nation’s rebuilding efforts.

Public awareness and education on earthquake preparedness

As informed populations are more prepared to respond to devastating disasters, public awareness, and education are essential to earthquake preparedness. The dissemination of educational materials, public awareness campaigns, and integration of earthquake safety education into school curricula are just a few of Turkey’s steps to increase general understanding regarding earthquake preparedness and response.

The “Safe School Program” is one significant part of Turkey’s public awareness campaigns. Schools are assessed for their capacity to withstand earthquakes as part of this program, and any necessary adjustments are made to protect the safety of students and staff in the event of an earthquake. Regular earthquake exercises are another curriculum feature that aids in preparing children and teachers for seismic occurrences.

International Collaboration for earthquake preparedness and Response

Because earthquakes are worldwide in scope, successful earthquake preparedness and response depend on international cooperation. The establishment of uniform building norms, the exchange of seismic monitoring data, and the provision of aid for disaster response are just a few of the ways that Turkey has actively participated in worldwide initiatives to increase earthquake resilience.

The World Housing Encyclopedia, which attempts to offer details on the seismic performance of structures worldwide, is a key endeavor in this area. Turkey has contributed to this effort by offering important information on the seismic performance of its conventional Adobe structures.

Building a resilient future for Turkey and Beyond

Turkey’s earthquake experiences taught us essential lessons about preparedness and response. Turkey has made tremendous progress in lessening the effects of earthquakes on its population by enacting strict construction rules, creating early warning systems, and improving public awareness about earthquake safety.

Researchers and engineers are looking for new methods and materials to increase the seismic performance of conventional Adobe structures in Turkey, which is a continuous effort. These initiatives could significantly impact earthquake-prone areas worldwide where traditional building materials and techniques are still widely used.

Finally, increasing earthquake resilience globally requires global cooperation and knowledge sharing. By cooperating, nations can benefit from one another’s experiences and create plans to lessen the effects of earthquakes on their populations.

To sum up, Turkey’s seismic past warns about the significance of earthquake preparedness and reaction. We can create a more resilient future for ourselves and future generations by implementing the lessons discovered from Turkey’s experiences in our communities.