1.4: Japan 2011

Question 1

Japan: Earthquake Magnitude

Answer 1

9

Question 2

Japan: Social Impact

Answer 2

Approx 20,000 dead and missing

Question 3

Japan: Economic Impact

Answer 3

Approx. US$250 billion economic cost

Question 4

Japan: Root Cause of Vulnerability

Answer 4

Low level of corruption

GDP per capita of approx. US$39,000 (2009) spans was a developed economy

Question 5

Japan: Dynamic Pressures of Vulnerabilities

Answer 5

Early warning system detected earthquake one minute in advance giving people a period of warning

Japanese government responded immediately, mobilising 110,000 defence troops within 24hr

Strict building regulations meant Japanese buildings designed better able to withstand an earthquake (75% of buildings in Japan constructed with earthquake considerations)

Question 6

Japan: Unsafe Conditions

Answer 6

Areas vulnerable to tsunami already had 10m high walls, evacuation shelters and marked evacuation routes, which helped to reduce the loss of life

BUT
Caused a 10m high tsunami - which surged up to 10km inland