Quake standards spare Japan
17/07/2007 14:04  - (SA)  

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Kashiwazaki - The massive earthquake that struck central Japan this week proved again that the country's strict quake-resistance standards and preparations can limit casualties.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed more than 340 houses, triggered landslides and cut off roads.

But while such a disaster could kill thousands in many parts of the world, the death toll was limited to nine so far with one person missing.

Japan, which endures 20% of the world's strong earthquakes, enforces strict standards for building construction. It also has an intricate system of airing alerts for disasters, particularly tsunamis.

"Japan's quake-resistance levels for buildings and disaster prevention measures are outstanding for Asia and probably the highest in the world," said Takaaki Shiratori, senior researcher at Asian Disaster Centre based in Kobe.

Wooden houses vulnerable

"The earthquake this time proved again that high levels of earthquake safety for buildings and swift and organised responses to a major disaster are key to limiting casualties."

Shiratori also said Japan had been spared the worst as the earthquake's epicentre was in relatively sparsely populated areas.

He warned, however, that traditional wooden houses built before the government introduced strict building standards in 1981 were vulnerable.

"In reality, it costs a lot of money to reinforce houses," said Shiratori.

Junction of four tectonic plates

"Socially weak people, namely elderly, are well aware of the importance but they can't afford to do so because of their financial situation. Therefore, poor people are more exposed to danger than rich people."

Authorities said the nine victims were all in their 70s or 80s, while many of 1 000 injuries were caused by damage to wooden houses.

Japan lies at the junction of four tectonic plates, meaning that Tokyo and other major cities are frequently jolted by earthquakes.

Despite the preparations to limit casualties, Japan suffered a scare in the latest earthquake as a fire broke out at a nuclear reactor, which leaked radioactive water.

- AFP

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