japan’s 7.6 magnitude earthquake tragedy on 1 jan 2024 – 155 quakes, aviation disaster, and the power of resilience

On 1 January 2024, when everyone in the world was celebrating the beginning of the new year and a new journey, Japan was hit by a terrible earthquake. The earthquake was of 7.6 magnitude.

But did you know it is not the first time this type of earthquake has occurred in
Japan. Why is Japan so prone to earthquakes and tsunamis? How do they protect themselves? Let’s know about everything in detail.

When did the earthquake hit Japan?

On 1st January 2024, Japan was hit by a terrible earthquake. The earthquake was of 7.6 magnitude. It shook the country by killing dozens of people. This earthquake was not alone with numerous small and big earthquakes following this. In total more than 155 earthquakes occurred in just one day. This 2024 earthquake is named as sea of Japan earthquake Or Noto
Peninsula earthquake.

What was the after the results of the earthquake?

This earthquake caused sea waves of about 1.2 meters to hit the west coast of Japan. Japan’s meteorological agency has issued a major tsunami alert. Although this warning was downgraded later on.

But the earthquake itself caused substantial damage. Dozens of buildings were completely destroyed. Electricity was cut off for thousands of houses. Some places were engulfed in flames. And on 2nd January 55 people have been declared dead.

What did the officials say about this?

Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida said that “this situation is a battle against time” and “Rescue operations are underway and efforts are being made to save trapped people”.

What was the second incident after the earthquake in Japan?

On 2nd January 2024 another unfortunate incident took place in this country. A Japan airlines airplane crashed with a Japan coast guard aircraft in Tokyo’s Hanida airport. Thereafter both places caught on fire. All runways at the airport were closed. The Japan coast guard aircraft was getting ready to help people affected by earthquakes.

How many people survived aeroplane incident in Japan?

Fortunately all the people in the other plane were evacuated safely. But 5 out of 6 crew members in the coast guard aircraft lost their lives. The 29 year old plane captain was the only person who could survive.

Why is Japan so prone to earthquakes and tsunamis?

The reason behind the frequently occurring earthquake in Japan is based on its structure. Before everything let’s get to know why earthquakes happen?

You must have known that earthquakes occur if any tectonic plates collide with each other during their moment. There are 16 major tectonic plates which move slowly as time passes. When they collide with each other earthquakes happen, so the countries lying on boundaries of these tectonic plates are the most prone areas to earthquakes.

Japan is situated in an area where 4 different tectonic plates meet. These plates are –

• The Pacific plate.
• The Philippine plate.
• The Eurasian plate.
• The North American plate.

This is the biggest reason for so many earthquakes in Japan. The Pacific plate has the highest amount of tectonic activity. So the boundary of the Pacific plate is known as the Pacific ring of fire because it causes the high earthquake in the world and has the highest number of volcanic eruptions or activities. 90% of earthquakes occur in the ring of fire and approximately 75% of active volcanos.

Because of its economy Japan was always in the danger zone. But maybe this is the only reason why Japan is so controlling over these damages caused by the tsunami and
earthquake.

How does Japan deal with these disasters?

If these earthquakes would have hit any other country thousands of people would have lost their lives but in Japan’s death toll is below 100. Japan has different points of view for situations like these.

The building built in Japan has to meet strict earthquake proof standards.

There are 3 standards are

• The Taishin standard : It is the lowest standard. The requirements mandatory are minimum thickness of the pillars, walls, beams of the building. So that if any earthquake shakes the building the building can resist it.
• The Seishin standard: It is the second standard, which is recommended for tall buildings where they are required to install dampers. These dampers absorb the earthquake energy.
  They need to put large thick rubber under the foundation of the building. These rubber mats absorb vibrations of earthquakes very well.
• The Menshin standard: It is third standard and it is more strict and is the most advanced standard. In this the entire structure of the building is isolated from the ground. Layers of
  lead, steel and rubber are installed, so the building moves independently off the ground. Even if ground shakes the building remains stable.

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Do these techniques work?

The iconic Skytree tower in Tokyo City was built to the same standard. This is one of the most earthquake resistant buildings in the city. When the horrific Tohoku earthquake hit Japan in 2011 the magnitude of that earthquake was 9.0, this building (Skytree tower) did not even get a scratch.

What are the techniques followed by Japan for Tsunamis?

Japan has adopted many strategies to protect itself from tsunamis. Although they haven’t been as successful as those protecting Japan against earthquakes.

Tsunami controlled forests: Japan has built tsunami controlled forests. In this technique they plant a large number of trees to stop the forces of the tsunami.

Coastal Dikes: Japan has also built coastal Dikes. These are long structures made up of stones. These Dikes are very expensive to build, but they can successfully reduce the impact of tsunamis.

Tsunami Evaluation Towers: Apart from these Japan has built Tsunami Evaluation Towers. In an area with high risk of tsunami and significant population, since people do not get a lot of time for evacuation they are told to take shelter in these towers. These are located at a high point to be protected from the tsunami.

They have improved their warning systems. Evacuation drills are conducted regularly to help local people to understand what they need to do in case of a tsunami and how to prepare for a rescue operation.

Seawalls: Japan has built walls near the seas. Japan has a 22,000 mile long coastline, where 40% is surrounded by these concrete sea walls. But unfortunately these walls are not always effective.

Frequently asked questions

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