Preparing for Various Natural Disasters in Japan: Lessons from 3/11

Various natural disasters that hit Japan: Consider and prepare for 3/11

March 11, 2024 17:17

Today, March 11th, marks 13 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Let’s take the opportunity of March 11th to reflect on various natural disasters and prepare for all kinds of disasters, including not only earthquakes and tsunamis, but also heavy rain, heavy snow, and volcanic eruptions.

Prepare for the various disasters that hit Japan on a daily basis

Today, March 11th, marks 13 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Japan is said to be a disaster-prone country, and in addition to earthquakes and tsunamis, there are many other natural disasters such as heavy rain, heavy snow, and volcanic eruptions.

Let’s use 3/11 as an opportunity to reflect on natural disasters and prepare for emergencies on a daily basis.

Earthquake/Tsunami

This year, the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurred on New Year’s Day. Additionally, earthquakes have been occurring all over Japan, including frequent earthquakes off the eastern coast of Chiba Prefecture since the end of February.

Earthquakes can occur at any time, so it is extremely important to be prepared. Be prepared on a daily basis just in case.

Also, like earthquakes, the timing and scale of tsunamis cannot be predicted in advance. Especially if you live or visit a place near water such as the ocean, be sure to keep these risks in mind and be prepared.

heavy rain

Heavy rain occurs throughout the year due to various factors such as typhoons and fronts, and sometimes causes great damage.

In July 2018, heavy rains in western Japan (July 2018 heavy rains) occurred.
There were many “linear rain bands” where extremely heavy rain continued to fall in the same place, resulting in record-breaking heavy rain mainly in western Japan. These heavy rains caused river flooding, flooding, and landslides in many areas, mainly in western Japan, resulting in a devastating disaster with over 200 people dead and missing.

Be prepared for heavy rain on a daily basis, and check weather information so that you can take appropriate action in case of an emergency.

heavy snow

Approximately half of Japan’s land area is designated as a “heavy snowfall zone,” and heavy snowfall occurs frequently, especially along the Sea of ​​Japan coast.

In late January of this year, intense cold air flowed into the Japanese archipelago, and snowfall increased rapidly in Hokuriku, Tokai, Kinki, and other areas covered with active snow clouds, resulting in localized heavy snowfall. In addition, snow fell in places that don’t usually get much snow, such as the flatlands of the Tokai region.

In urban areas, even a small amount of snow can have a major impact on life, disrupting transportation. Check the weather information and be sure to take appropriate action.

volcanic eruption

Japan is also one of the world’s most volcanic countries.

On February 14th of this year, an explosive eruption occurred at the Minamidake summit crater on Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, and volcanic smoke rose 5,000 meters above the crater rim. This was the first eruption with a plume reaching 5000m in height since August 9, 2020.

There are many types of disasters caused by volcanoes, including volcanic blocks, pyroclastic flows, volcanic mudflows, lava flows, and volcanic ash, and they can affect a large area. Be aware of the volcanoes that are likely to be affected by an eruption, and prepare on a daily basis so that you can act without hesitation in the event of an emergency.

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2024-03-11 08:17:56
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