TOHOKU

Question 1

PREPERATIONS

Answer 1

BUILDING CODES
TSUNAMI WALLS

Question 2

Building Codes Positive

Answer 2

1950, Kyu Taishin legally enforced
After 7.4mag eq in 1978
1981, Shin Taishin introduced

No buildings collapsed in Tokyo
Some collapse in Kyoto hilly region due to liquefaction
18,000 of 250,000 buildings destroyed due to seismic shaking and liquefaction
250 of 19781 deaths due to building collapse

Question 3

Building Codes Negative

Answer 3

When Shin Taishin didnt collapse still had collapsing elements (ceilings inside building)

Still some collapse as 20-30% buildings still Kyu Taishin in Japan

Question 4

Tsunami Walls Positive

Answer 4

40% vulnerable coastline protected by sea walls up to 12m

Kamaishi 2009 30yrs guinness record highest breakwater

Question 5

Tsunami Wall Negative

Answer 5

94.5% deaths in Eq bc of tsunami
JMA initial estimates too low (3.4m 7.8mag)
People thought se walls would protect them, warning came too late to evac

Question 6

RESPONSES

Answer 6

Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown
Tsunami Sea Walls

Question 7

Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown
Positives

Answer 7

Immediate: evacuation 20km zone 80,000 people
136,000 20-30km told to stay indoors

6 Months and 3,000 workers in site before meltdown contained (no more radiation emitted)

Question 8

Fukushima Negative

Answer 8

Longer Term: Increased risk of cancer by 15x and impacts on local food supply (some fish inedible til 2021)

Question 9

Tsunami Wall Response
Positive

Answer 9

Japanese authorities plan to build massive sea walls.
$6.8billion 440 sections 400km
Some places 12m high

Question 10

Tsunami Wall Response
Negative

Answer 10

Debate on effectiveness - 90% sea walls destroyed by tsunami

Environmental Problems - disturb marine ecosystems

Economic Problems - negatively impact local fisheries

Question 11

Overall Evaluation

Answer 11

Response good
Not perfect - efficacy new tsunami defence and ongoing nuclear issues