Japan’s earthquake death toll could have been far higher. Here is why it was not
Japan's strict building codes and earthquake-resistant infrastructure are credited with significantly reducing casualties during recent seismic events. Despite being located in the volatile 'Ring of Fire,' the country's commitment to engineering standards has proven effective in preventing widespread structural collapse.
Why it matters
It demonstrates the life-saving potential of rigorous urban planning and engineering regulations in disaster-prone regions.
T uesday’s powerful earthquake in Japan caused widespread destruction, with buildings collapsing and transport disrupted. Rescue efforts are still under way. Yet despite its severity, the death toll could have been far higher.
The “Ring of Fire”, a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean marked by sliding and colliding tectonic plates, accounts for 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes. Japan sits right on top of it.
Millions of Japanese people must live with the possibility of the ground giving away beneath their feet.
Japan is haunted by natural disasters, including the March 2011 quake and tsunami in its northeast that took more than 18,500 lives. Yet scientists still cannot accurately forecast the time and place of a quake. What they increasingly can do is reduce the deadly effect of such disasters.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in