The Earthquake Readiness of Japan

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 Japan is a country that has experienced more than its fair share of natural disasters. With that, they’ve become one of the best-prepared nations on earth. When you compare the number of disasters that have hit the nation, plus the population density, and compare it to the fatality rate, the modern numbers are actually surprisingly small. The ability to innovate, invest, educate, and learn from past mistakes has made Japan the most earthquake-ready country in the world (Dayman, 2018).

Japan's structural earthquake-proof homes.
       In Japanese Disaster Management System, a Minister of State for Disaster Management is appointed to the Cabinet and the Disaster Management Bureau plans the basic policy on disaster management and plans and makes overall coordination in response to large-scale disasters. In normal times, Ministers of State, representatives of relevant organizations and experts from the Central Disaster Management Council in the Cabinet Office discuss important matters such as the development of national disaster management plans and basic policies and take charge of promoting comprehensive disaster countermeasures by indicating a major policy.
      The Japanese government focuses on providing its people with sufficient knowledge about earthquakes and tsunamis. Training sessions and exhibitions about disaster prevention are regularly held just like conferences for evacuation area construction. It starts with the pre-kindergarten children who have to regularly participate in natural disaster drills. All Japanese students know that whenever an earthquake comes they are not allowed to panic, instead, they should protect their head, escape in an orderly way, and absolutely no rush or behave disorderly.
Building in  Japan with earthquake-proof material.
      On the other hand, when an earthquake does occur, the risk to your home depends on many different factors such as the ground itself, the shape of the land, and building density among others. For the past few years, fortunately, all buildings in Japan are required to have an earthquake-resistant structure, which means that new construction can only be approved through rigorous compliance with earthquake-proof standards set by law. Also, these laws apply to other structures like schools and office buildings. It is said that around 87% of the buildings in Tokyo can withstand earthquakes.
Japan's smartphones emergency alert.

       Japan is one of the most prone countries in the Pacific Ring of Fire to feel earthquakes and as years passed by, earthquakes have been a common occurrence in the region. With that, they've become more prepared as to what might happen in the future. Innovatively, they make policies and create technological gadgets as help during calamities. One of which is putting an alert to their smartphones during earthquakes/tsunami.
         But just like Japan, the Philippines had also experienced a lot of natural phenomena that caused several damages and frightful effect. However, unlike Japan, Philippines is not that prepared enough to calamities that might come. Although there are TV and radio reports that have help people to be updated, they tend to not listen to it and that caused trauma to their lives. The Philippines might have a lot of drills that have given the citizen knowledge on what to do during calamities but still, others think that the drills aren't necessary or some kind of a joke. Some people also do things that they think might save them – that’s actually their pride and lack of discipline.
       People living in fault lines and not listening to safety measures given by the government such as drop, cover, hold during earthquake tend to be unsettled and confused. Why? because they think that they're actually doing the right things rather than listening to the guidance of others which may help them to survive. 
The rubble of the Church of Our Lady of Light in Loon, Bohol, 
the oldest and one of the largest in the province.
     As a settled example, the 2013 Bohol earthquake that caused an estimated 1206 casualties (222 dead, 8 missing, 976 injured). Other than that, more than 73,000 structures were damaged, of which more than 14,500 were totally destroyed. It affected the whole Central Visayas region, particularly Bohol and Cebu. The quake was felt in the whole Visayas area and as far as Masbate Island in the north and Cotabato provinces in southern Mindanao.
         But unfortunately, the Bohol earthquake was not just because they lacked discipline but also because the people living in that certain area didn't know that a fault line has been created. Arguably, during that earthquake its hypothetical that people usually are not stable because they're not settled and not thinking well. Their minds are preoccupied of what to get, what to have or thinking of running instead of following safety measures that might save them from the major disaster.
A part of Japan that was greatly affected due to 
the Tohoku Earthquake last March 11, 2011.
       The same goes for Japan during the 2011 earthquake. Tohoku earthquake last March 11, 2011, was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the country that triggered a tsunami. It caused an estimated 29,000 killings and known to have damaged some nuclear reactions. Aftershocks continue to run 50 times with a magnitude of 6.0 and 7.0. 
        The Philippines have lots to improve with their strategies and plans. Japan on the other hand as we see have been effectively managing their earthquake-proof structures which probably is a great and efficient way to lessen the effect of what disaster might come in the future.  However, we cannot continue the process of improvement generally to both countries if we cannot teach ourselves to be disciplined enough, to be calm and think wisely.
        Calamities, disasters, natural phenomena’s or any other names that disrupt the lives of the people is always constant. We cannot stop the shaking of an earthquake, the intense splashes of water during a typhoon and even the falling of rocks during landslides. Generally, we cannot predict future happenings. Even scientists and other personnel relevant to any disaster cannot predict when and where a disaster may happen. They only give information when it is done by seeing its results and after-effects.
       Just like in Japan, yes, they were prepared but we cannot expect that the process of taking the safety measures are followed by most people. We also cannot tell the buildings to stop from falling apart and even tell the grounds to stop cracking, even foretell who might die and survive.
       On the other side, the government did not expect that the blistering blast of Tohoku earthquake was scourging. Maybe during the earthquake tons of individuals and families were trapped in certain places that caused them an injury or die. Casualties were numerous and tons of edifice was wrecked.
         Our realization there is to lessen the harm that it might cause, we should be prepared and follow major steps or measures that may enable us to survive. We also should use our communications to be updated and have this so-called "proper channelling" with the people around us especially when the government asks us to evacuate. Be a good listener and always put things in option before deciding. Because in life, we regret things when the situation is already done. And with that, a lot may diminish or suffer.
        Also, the government should improve its strategic plans every year to be effective. Their mission is to help people out not just with poverty but also with this one. They should be aware that the citizens are also hoping for their help to be able to survive.
      A common saying but maybe enough for one to survive. “Prevention is better than cure”. We have to be cautious enough to be safe and lower down our pride sometimes to understand that the government also cares for our sake. We should also listen to what others may say to be able to decide what side is good and bad for us and for our loved ones. But whatever happens in life, remember that it’s your life, your choice so feel free to decide wisely. If that’s what keeps you safe, do it.

Reference: 

Oskin, B., 2017. Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011: Facts and Information
Tate, K., 2013. How Japan's 2011 Earthquake Happened (Infographic)
M Zare and Afrouz, Crisis Management of Tohoku; Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, 11 March 2011
Pletcher, K. and Rafferty, J., 2011. Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011
Reid, K., 2018. 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Sue, C., 2014. March 11, 2011 CE: Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
                   
        
     
 

 Disclaimer: This is a project in science and is originally copied from Angel Calma (Our Research Chairperson). Furthermore, any of the content shall only be copied by his group.

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