The earthquake that occurred during the commuting time for work and school sent the large city of Osaka into turmoil. Were there any flaws in the system for preventing disaster damage there?
The earthquake had a maximum seismic intensity of lower 6, mainly affecting northern Osaka Prefecture. It was the first time for Osaka to be directly shaken that strongly since when seismic records were first kept in 1923.
It has been confirmed that four people died in the quake, including a 9-year-old girl who was caught under a concrete block wall that collapsed. Damage was caused in various places -- houses and other buildings were destroyed, fires broke out one after another and many people were injured.
Railways, expressways and other transportation networks were temporarily paralyzed over a wide area, thereby preventing a vast number of people from moving to different locations for long hours. Elevators were suspended in many high-rise buildings and condominiums. The latest quake has shown how significant damage can be caused by a quake with its focus just below an urban area.
The quake has damaged and halted gas, water supply and other lifeline systems, hindering the lives of people in disaster-stricken areas. Quick efforts must be made to restore the urban functions of the affected areas.
The government has set up a disaster-response office at its crisis management center at the Prime Minister's Office. All-out efforts should be made to ascertain the state of the disaster, and conduct rescue and relief activities in close cooperation with the local governments affected.
The latest earthquake occurred when a fault just below the urban area moved. Multiple active faults have been confirmed to exist in the area surrounding the quake's focus, including the Arima-Takatsuki fault zone. There are risks the latest earthquake will trigger a different quake. Precautions cannot be neglected in the future, too.
Companies must be ready
Damaged houses and other buildings can collapse easily. The quake has made the ground unstable under sloping land. Taking temporary refuge at evacuation sites helps protect the lives of affected people. Local governments should urge residents in risky locations to evacuate.
There may be a decline in the strength of concrete block walls that did not collapse in the quake. It is advisable not to approach them until their safety is confirmed.
Some companies have been forced to suspend operations because their employees cannot get to work.
The government has urged companies to put together business continuity plans in preparation for major disasters. Although 60 percent of large companies have completed this task, according to the Cabinet Office, only 30 percent of midsize companies -- Osaka is home to many -- have devised such plans. At more than a few companies, there are defects in their safety confirmation systems.
To minimize the damage caused to the regional economy, each company should examine its preparedness for any disaster.
There are also concerns about the possible occurrence of an earthquake with its focus immediately below Tokyo. Although there had been no major earthquake with its focus in Gunma Prefecture for a long time, a quake with the intensity of lower 5 happened on Sunday. In Chiba Prefecture, there was what is called a "slow slip," a large-scale underground phenomenon that could trigger an earthquake swarm.
In an area stretching from waters off the Tokai region to Kyushu, precautions are needed for a massive earthquake expected to occur with its focus originating in the Nankai Trough.
A massive earthquake can occur anywhere. This should be taken to heart.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 19, 2018)
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