Earthquake Case Study: Kobe

Question 1

Date of the Kobe Earthquake

Answer 1

Tuesday 17 January 1995

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

Kobe, Japan

Question 3

Strength

Answer 3

Magnitude 7.2

Question 4

Cause

Answer 4

Philippians Plate sub ducts beneath the Eurasian Plate

Question 5

Duration

Answer 5

Approx. 20 seconds on solid land

Question 6

Primary effects

Answer 6

1. Over 6,000 died
2. 15,000 buildings and bridges collapsed (despite being earthquake proof)
3. Hanshin Expressway collapsed (120/150 quays in the port were destroyed)
4. Liquefaction in Osaka Bay

Question 7

Secondary effects

Answer 7

1. Disruption of electricity supply
   - gas mains broke causing fires
   - over 7,500 wooden homes were destroyed
2. 316,000 left homeless
3. Shortage of clean water, food and blankets.

Question 8

Immediate responses

Answer 8

1. People were evacuated
   - government provides temporary houses
2. Rescue teams searched for survivors
   - 3,000 army troops send to Hanshin
3. Water, electricity, gas and telephone services were fully working by July 1995

Question 9

Preparation

Answer 9

1. National hazards preparation days (to prevent panicking in real event)
2. Building and roads in the last 20 years are made to be earthquake proof using quality material (reinforced concrete, strengthened glass etc.)
3. Building codes put in place
   - no building on reclaimed land

Question 10

Long term responses

Answer 10

1. Many people moved away from the area
2. Jobs created in the construction industry
3. Building built with flexible frames and fire resistant materials