Comprehensive expert-backed strategies for surviving earthquakes in Japan, from home to outdoors.
The Nankai megathrust earthquake, which occurs approximately every century, has not struck since the last significant event over 80 years ago. Recent seismic activity, including the M7.1 earthquake in Miyazaki Prefecture this August, has prompted the government and experts to stress the importance of preparedness for the next major quake.
Safety Measures for Different Situations
When the ground starts to shake and panic threatens to take over, the following life-saving steps in various situations can mean the difference between chaos and survival.
At Home
If you feel the tremors of an earthquake or hear an emergency earthquake alert, stay calm and focus on your safety:
- Put on a disaster prevention hood.
- Move away from large furniture and protect yourself from falling objects.
- Take cover under a sturdy table and avoid panicking or rushing outside.
- If cooking or using a heater, turn off the heat immediately. If the heat source is out of reach, do not attempt to approach it; instead, open doors to ensure an unobstructed escape route.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
In a Shopping Mall
- Stay calm and follow the instructions of the staff.
- If no instructions are given, protect your head and adopt a safe posture to brace for the tremors.
- Move away from glass display cases and steer clear of hanging lights or other potentially hazardous objects.
- Avoid rushing to exits or staircases, as sudden crowding could lead to falls or injuries.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
In an Elevator
If you find yourself in an elevator during an earthquake, immediately stop at the nearest floor and exit promptly to ensure your safety.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
Outdoors
- Stay away from brick walls, vending machines, and other objects that could topple over.
- Maintain a safe distance from buildings to avoid being hit or injured by falling walls, signage, or shattered glass.
- Avoid crowded areas, such as train stations, where crowd surges can increase the risk of accidents.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
- Earthquakes can trigger landslides, so stay alert for falling rocks and debris. Move away from the area as soon as possible.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
On Public Transportation
While using public transportation, hold on firmly to handrails or grab handles. Follow any instructions provided by staff to maintain safety during the tremors.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
While Driving
- Stay calm and avoid sudden steering or braking, as these actions may cause accidents. Instead, gradually reduce your speed.
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert nearby vehicles and assess your surroundings. Pull over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and stay inside the car until the shaking stops.
- When it is safe, exit the vehicle without locking the doors and leave the keys inside.
- Move to a safe location, keeping a distance from potential hazards.
- Be aware that earthquakes can cause falling objects, fires, and other dangers, so avoid leaving a secure area unless absolutely necessary.
In the first three days following an earthquake, firefighting and emergency rescue efforts will take priority, which may result in a chaotic environment. If you need to shelter in your car, follow these specific guidelines.
What to Expect After an Earthquake
Earthquakes can unleash devastating consequences, including tsunamis, building collapses, fires, and landslides. In urban areas, the aftermath typically presents several critical challenges:
- Structural Failures: Older structures may collapse, leading to casualties, with some people potentially buried alive. Outer walls or windows may crack and fall, causing additional injuries.
- Communication Breakdown: Overwhelmed communication networks and damaged infrastructure can render phone and internet services critically limited or entirely unavailable, hampering rescue and coordination efforts.
- Transportation Gridlock: Crowds of pedestrians and vehicles on main roads can lead to heavy congestion, making evacuation difficult. In suburban areas, landslides may obstruct roads, further hindering movement.
- Public Transit Disruption: Rail operations may be disrupted due to a variety of factors. Even if tracks remain intact, safety inspections at each station can take considerable time, delaying services for an extended period.
- Utility Outages: Power, water, and gas supplies are often disrupted after an earthquake and may take time to restore. For more information on emergency food supplies and other essential preparations, please refer to this comprehensive guideline.
Stay Alert for Aftershocks
After the initial earthquake, aftershocks of similar magnitude are likely, which may persist for about a week. It is important to stay alert, as larger aftershocks typically occur within two to three days following the main event. If your location is near an active fault line or has a history of significant earthquakes, heed any specialized warnings.
- Earthquakes can trigger landslides or falling rocks.
- For tremors with a magnitude of six or higher, the risk of building collapses or soil and sand disasters significantly increases.
- Monitor rainfall closely after the earthquake, and unless absolutely necessary, avoid entering hazardous areas.
By understanding the potential impacts of an earthquake, you can better ensure the safety of yourself and your family during a disaster.