The earthquake that has just hit Japan, with a magnitude of 7.5, has once again put the country of the Rising Sun's preparedness for natural disasters to the test. With a provisional budget of 73 victims, Japan has once again demonstrated how a proactive approach to managing seismic activity can make a difference in terms of lives saved.
At Northwestern University, in the USA, Professor Daniel Aldrich studies the relationship between investments in anti-seismic technology and earthquake deaths. If you want to learn more, the research is here, but can I spoil it for you? Investments in this direction are savings. They are blessings. These are lives and infrastructures saved, saved. And if it seems obvious to you, ask yourself even more why other countries don't do the same.
Let's explore together how the Japanese managed to significantly reduce the devastating impact of this earthquake, among the worst in a hundred years, through advanced seismic technology and early warning systems.
The evolution of structures
Japan's ability to mitigate the effects of earthquakes is largely due to its own innovative architecture. Over the last 60 years the Japanese have developed buildings full of virtues. Buildings with foundations designed to sway in response to seismic vibrations, rather than collapse.
This anti-seismic technology, which allows buildings to “flex” rather than “break,” has saved countless lives. It protected people inside structures during the most violent earthquakes.
The culture of preparation for seismic activity
In Japan, earthquake preparedness is an integral part of daily life. From an early age, students participate in earthquake drills, learning how to act in an emergency. This training continues into adult life, with the population being educated in the use of firefighting equipment and first aid techniques.
In-depth and concrete preparation, which helps the population, in the event of an earthquake, to respond in an effective and organized way. And it could make a huge difference in areas like Campi Flegrei, or Vesuvius.
Eyes always open
Japan has implemented sophisticated early warning systems that can warn the population of an impending earthquake. These systems, capable of providing a warning of approximately 30 seconds before the arrival of seismic waves, are essential to allow people to reach safety and to automatically activate safety measures in critical infrastructures.
How does it work?
The Japanese system which warns people of an earthquake 30 seconds before it happens is called Earthquake Early Warning (EEW). Launched in October 2007 by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), it provides timely warnings as soon as an earthquake begins, giving people precious seconds to protect themselves before strong tremors arrive.
30 seconds isn't that little, and it's a great achievement. Comparison with other countries hit by earthquakes of similar magnitude highlights the effectiveness of Japanese measures. Nations such as Syria, Turkey and Pakistan have recorded tens of thousands of casualties following smaller magnitude earthquakes. Japan has maintained a relatively low number of victims, despite the higher intensity of the earthquakes (even the 9.0 it produced in 2011 the Fukushima nuclear accident).
The bare figures
Last year's 7,8 magnitude earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye had a death toll of 41.000. An earthquake of magnitude 7,6 in Pakistan in 2005 killed at least 86.000 people. Even the terrifying 2011 earthquake in Japan that killed around 20.000 people resulted in far fewer casualties than these other disasters.
Despite its record in mitigating earthquake impacts, Japan continues to look for ways to improve its resilience. This latest devastating earthquake will provide an opportunity to further reflect and innovate on seismic safety.
What can we learn?
The transposition of Japanese seismic management strategies in Italy can be achieved through concrete steps that embrace different aspects of seismic prevention and risk:
1. Building Innovation: Italy can benefit from the adoption of Japanese technologies in the construction of earthquake-proof buildings. Include advanced engineering standards for structural flexibility in Italian construction standards (today there are avant-gardes still in progress, such as the ENERSELVES guidelines, in collaboration with the Lazio Region) could reduce the risk of collapses during earthquakes.
2. Early Warning Systems: Implementing early warning systems in Italy, similar to those in use in Japan, would provide vital warning in the event of an earthquake. This requires an investment in technological infrastructure and the widespread dissemination of information.
3. Education and Training: Integrating training programs on behavior to adopt in the event of an earthquake, similar to those in Japan, into Italian schools, companies and communities would increase the population's awareness and preparedness.
4. Urban Planning: Adopting a rigorous approach to urban planning, inspired by the Japanese model, which includes rigorous anti-seismic standards for new buildings, could significantly reduce risks in areas of high seismicity.
5. Culture of Preparation: Promoting a culture of prevention and collective responsibility, as in Japan, would help Italians understand the importance of personal and collective preparedness for earthquakes.
The adoption of these strategies in Italy would not only reduce damage and victims in the event of earthquakes, but would also lead to greater national resilience in the face of these inevitable natural events.
Japan, seismic technology and intelligence
The case of Japan demonstrates that, while we cannot prevent natural disasters, we can significantly reduce their deadly consequences through technological innovation and cultural preparedness.
The link between technology and humanity has never been more evident. It is in Japan's anti-seismic action. It is the technique that embraces humanity, saving lives in times of need.
