On July 18 at 8:07 PM local time, as the first day of Summer 2024 started, Tokyo’s East Coast of Hachijojima Island experienced 5.8 M earthquake. Most of the mainland Tokyo areas felt the strongest intensity at 3.
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Although the tremors were felt widely, the city’s advanced infrastructure and stringent building codes minimized the potential for catastrophic damage. There was no tsunami warning and report of damage.
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The jolt on the first day of summer serves as a reminder of Tokyo’s vulnerability to natural disasters, but also highlights the strength and solidarity of its people. At night on this eventful day, Tokyo remains calm and quiet, ready to embrace the summer ahead.
Shindo refers to the intensity of an earthquake at a given location, i.e. what people actually feel at a given location, while the Richter scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake, i.e. the energy an earthquake releases at the epicenter.
Seismic Intensity (Shindo)
This represents the level of shaking in a particular area. The levels go from 0 (the weakest) to 7 (the strongest). Levels 5 and 6 have both “lower” and “upper” levels, making 10 levels in total. This 10-level seismic intensity scale is only used in Japan.
Earthquake Report on July 18, 2024
Japan has had: (M1.5 or greater)
- 4 earthquakes in the past 24 hours
- 13 earthquakes in the past 7 days
- 49 earthquakes in the past 30 days
- 820 earthquakes in the past 365 days
The largest earthquake in Japan:
Japan as a Natural Disaster-Prone Country
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Japan is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing a variety of natural hazards due to its unique geographical and geological characteristics. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other environmental challenges.
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Key Natural Disasters in Japan
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1. Earthquakes:
– Japan is located at the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American plates. This positioning makes it highly susceptible to earthquakes.
– Notable earthquakes include the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, which caused widespread devastation and loss of life.
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2. Tsunamis:
– Tsunamis often follow major undersea earthquakes. The 2011 tsunami, triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake, resulted in catastrophic damage, particularly in the Tōhoku region.
– Coastal areas are at high risk, prompting the need for effective warning systems and evacuation plans.
3. Volcanic Eruptions:
– Japan has over 100 active volcanoes, making volcanic eruptions a significant risk. Eruptions can lead to ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahar (volcanic mudflows).
– The 2014 eruption of Mount Ontake highlighted the dangers posed by volcanic activity, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
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4. Typhoons:
– Japan experiences several typhoons each year, particularly during the summer and autumn months. These storms can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding.
– The impact of typhoons can be severe, leading to landslides and infrastructure damage.
5. Landslides and Flooding:
– Heavy rainfall, often associated with typhoons and seasonal monsoons, can trigger landslides and cause river flooding.
– Urban areas, especially those near mountains or rivers, are particularly vulnerable to these events.
Preparedness and Response
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1. Disaster Preparedness:
– Japan has implemented robust disaster preparedness measures, including regular earthquake drills, public education campaigns, and community training.
– Citizens are encouraged to have emergency kits and evacuation plans in place.
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2. Advanced Technology:
– The country employs advanced technologies for earthquake detection and early warning systems. Seismographs and GPS monitoring help predict seismic activity.
– Tsunami warning systems are in place to alert coastal communities of impending threats.
3. Infrastructure Resilience:
– Building codes in Japan are among the strictest in the world, designed to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters.
– Infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, is regularly evaluated and reinforced to ensure safety.
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4. Government and Community Involvement:
– The Japanese government plays a crucial role in disaster management, coordinating responses and providing resources for recovery.
– Community involvement is vital, with local organizations and volunteers often leading recovery efforts.
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Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters has shaped its society, culture, and infrastructure. Through a combination of advanced technology, rigorous preparedness measures, and community resilience, Japan continues to strive for safety and recovery in the face of its natural challenges. The lessons learned from past disasters have fostered a culture of preparedness that serves as a model for other disaster-prone nations.
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