Overview: Why is Japan at Risk of Earthquakes?

Japan has been known as a country with many islands and a series of earthquakes. The government has policies to build infrastructure, which should be earthquake-resistant. Why is Japan at risk of earthquakes, and how does the government prepare for this disaster to minimize the risks?

Why is Japan at Risk of Earthquakes?

The geological position

Japan’s archipelago is unique because it is the point where four plates join. They are the Pacific, Okhotsk, Eurasian, and the Philippine Sea. When one plate is moving, the friction may trigger other plates. This event causes many earthquakes to occur in Japan almost every day.

Seismic activity in Japan is very high, and this is also the reason why is Japan at risk of earthquakes. People should be accustomed to mild to intense shaking in Japan because most earthquakes are of a magnitude greater than 6.0. Thus, the geological context is something that Japan could not avoid.

Megathrust earthquake

The megathrust earthquake is the most dangerous type. The magnitude is usually greater than 8.0. Japan has this risk because of megathrust faults that form in Japan. When the plates under the Earth's surface cannot slip smoothly, the movement triggers a high-magnitude earthquake. Tohoku 2011 is the example.

The energy release in Japan is very high for the same reason. The plates under the sea and the island formation are overriding. All of them move several inches each year. When the movement is a bit far, the slip releases enormous energy. This energy becomes the epicenter of the earthquake.

High volcanic activity

Volcanic activity in Japan is high because of its location. There are several famous volcanoes in Japan, such as Sakurajima, Asama, and Fuji. Most islands in Japan have volcanoes that can have an eruption at any time. This is because of subduction in Japan. When they have an eruption, it causes a major earthquake.

The Ring of Fire

Japan’s location is also part of the Ring of Fire. This is the ring in the Pacific Ocean where they are the source of energy release under the sea. Frequent earthquakes occur here, so do in Japan. Japan is one of the countries that has had the most hotspots in history, so they have no choice but to be adaptive.

Japan Government’s Action in Earthquake Preparedness

Strict regulation for building codes

Japan is very strict about building code regulations. The construction must follow this rule to avoid the risk of an earthquake. The design has been standardized, where the buildings in Japan are earthquake-resistant. The vibration control system and base isolation are basic regulations for the construction.

Using the Early Warning System

The early warning system in Japan is highly integrated because they understand why is Japan at risk of earthquakes. The sensors are accurate in recording the seismic activity all over Japan. After that, they transmit information to the central system. Then, people know the information about the disaster.

This is an important action in Japan because tsunamis after earthquakes occur from time to time. Even though the tsunami scale is low, people should avoid the shoreline to stay safe. With this integrated EWS, people can act fast according to the notice issued by the government about the earthquakes.

Public education

The government accelerates public education, including the practice at schools and workplaces. They should know how to protect themselves during an emergency. This campaign is continuously taught as telling people to prepare their emergency kit because an earthquake can occur at any time.

Preparing the recovery framework

The country prepares the disaster management to coordinate with different agencies and NGOs during an emergency. Several teams that are working under this management are medical personnel, firefighters, rescue teams, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces in three levels: municipal, prefectural, and national.

Improving technology

Japan also has a big investment in R&D. Its innovation is known best all over the world, including disaster management. Their system is already at the level of AI and satellite data, where the result is more accurate and reliable. They even have the National Research Institute for Disaster and Earth Science.

After understanding why is Japan at risk of earthquakes and its government’s preparedness, it should trigger other countries to have better disaster management. Using an SMS broadcaster as part of an early warning system can increase efficiency in spreading awareness. Purchase the device here.