Earthquake management

Question 1

How can earthquakes be prevented?

Answer 1

Cannot prevent the earthquakes, can prevent the secondary impacts.
Fire prevention - In Tokyo, in the situation of an earthquake the gas mains are cut off to prevent any possible fires. It preserves development and wealth.

Question 2

How can earthquakes be predicted?

Answer 2

Unable to predict when and where the earthquake will occur.
However we are able to predict the potential magnitude and assume they will occur along the fault lines and near past earthquakes.

Question 3

What protection methods can be put in place for an earthquake?

Answer 3

Lighter roofs - less damage if buildings collapse.
Crossbracing - able to absorb waves better.
Giant central poles - allow swaying
Flexible structures - absorb energy and allow swaying
Issues with older, more resistant structures - more expensive to rebuild, more susceptible to collapsing and killing people.

Question 4

What do governments do to manage and earthquake?

Answer 4

Insurance
Emergency services - training and equipment.
Land use planning - most at risk places should have low land usage.
Education - Life saving information and skills. Example is Japan’s annual training day. Prepares communities and teaches children what to do in a hazard.