Japan Earthquake Case Study

Question 1

Magnitude?

Answer 1

9.0

Question 2

Focus?

Answer 2

30km deep

Question 3

Epicentre?

Answer 3

70km from the coast

Question 4

How many dams collapsed?

Answer 4

1 (primary impact)

Question 5

How many nuclear power stations fractured?

Answer 5

2 (primary impact)

Question 6

An oil refinery…

Answer 6

An oil refinery set on fire (primary impact)

Question 7

Motorway and rail links…

Answer 7

Motorway and rail links were badly damaged (primary impact)

Question 8

How much damaged in US$?

Answer 8

US$25 billion (primary impact)

Question 9

How many died as a result of the tsunami?

Answer 9

15,900 (secondary impact)

Question 10

How many were missing as a result of the tsunami?

Answer 10

2,600 (secondary impact)

Question 11

How many were made homeless as a result of the tsunami?

Answer 11

350,000 (secondary impact)

Question 12

How many were injured as a result of the tsunami?

Answer 12

6,150 (secondary impact)

Question 13

How many nuclear reactors went into meltdown as a result of the tsunami?

Answer 13

2 (secondary impact)

Question 14

Homelessness, disrupted schooling and unemployment…

Answer 14

Homelessness, disrupted schooling and unemployment remained a problem for many years

Question 15

Preparation?

Answer 15

• Strict building laws to prevent major damage
• Buildings reinforced with steel frames to prevent them from collapsing
• Tall buildings had deep foundations with shock absorbers to reduce vibrations
• Early warning system to alert residents