Japan Is Struck By 1,500-2,000 Earthquakes A Year. Here's What Minimises The Damage
Japan faces 1,500 to 2,000 earthquakes annually, yet major losses and damages are rare. Discover the systems and strategies that keep the nation and its people safe
Japan experiences more earthquakes than any other country in the world, with around 1,500 to 2,000 tremors felt each year, ranging from mild to severe. Situated on the volatile Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet, Japan is the most earthquake-prone nation globally.
Yet, despite this constant seismic activity, it manages to minimise loss of life and damage remarkably well. Here's how.
Cutting-Edge Earthquake Warning System
Japan has developed one of the world's most advanced earthquake alert systems, managed by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). This system can detect the initial seismic waves of an earthquake and issue alerts within seconds via television, radio, mobile phones, and public sirens.
Even infrastructure responds automatically, for instance, trains, lifts, and industrial machinery stop immediately to prevent accidents. The iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) features an automatic braking system that activates as soon as seismic activity is detected. As soon as the first tremors are recorded, rescue services are put on high alert.
Fast And Effective Tsunami Warnings
Loudspeakers, sirens, and emergency broadcasts direct people in coastal regions to move to higher ground. To defend against powerful waves, Japan has built concrete seawalls up to 10 to 15 metres high in many coastal cities.
Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure
Japan enforces strict building codes designed to minimise damage during seismic events. Most modern buildings are constructed with flexible materials and designs that absorb vibrations. Older buildings are routinely retrofitted for earthquake resistance.
Infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and railways are built using seismic-resistant techniques. For example, many of Tokyo's skyscrapers withstood the 2011 earthquake (magnitude 9.0) due to these engineering advances.
Regular Drills And Community Preparedness
Preparedness is a cornerstone of Japan's approach. Earthquake and tsunami drills are held regularly in schools, offices, and public institutions. Every year on September 1, the country observes Disaster Prevention Day, a nationwide exercise in readiness.
Most households have emergency kits stocked with essentials like food, water, medicines, and torches. From a young age, children are taught survival techniques such as 'drop, cover, and hold" during drills at school.
Heavy Investment In Scientific Research
Japan invests extensively in earthquake and tsunami research. Scientists continuously monitor tectonic activity using advanced satellite and GPS systems. Supercomputers simulate earthquake scenarios and model tsunami effects to refine evacuation and rescue strategies.
This commitment to science helps authorities act quickly and effectively, often saving lives and reducing long-term damage.
Swift Relief And Rescue Operations
Japan has dedicated disaster response teams at both local and national levels, ready to act as soon as an earthquake or tsunami hits. The Japanese Self-Defence Forces also play a crucial role in rescue missions.
Following a disaster, the government rapidly deploys temporary housing, restores basic infrastructure, and provides medical aid. Society at large participates in community support and volunteer efforts, helping affected families recover.
A Culture Of Cooperation
One of Japan's greatest strengths during natural disasters is its strong sense of community and civic responsibility. People actively assist one another during crises.
After the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Japanese communities displayed remarkable unity, helping to rebuild lives and cities.
On July 30, Japan once again demonstrated its resilience. Although the earthquake generated tsunami waves of only 30–50 cm, the country's preparedness was evident. Evacuation plans, early warnings, and coastal barriers worked as intended.
At the Fukushima plant, immediate safety measures were implemented, preventing any mishap. Thanks to quick administrative action and public awareness, no casualties or major damage occurred, an impressive display of how far Japan's disaster response has come since 2011.
Despite living under constant seismic threat, Japan stands as a global model for earthquake preparedness and disaster management. Its success lies not only in technology and infrastructure, but also in education, research, community resilience, and swift government action.
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
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disaster management Earthquake Fukushima Fukushima nuclear plant General Knowledge japan Japan earthquake Japan Tsunami Natural disasters tsunami
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First Published:
July 31, 2025, 10:31 IST
News world Japan Is Struck By 1,500-2,000 Earthquakes A Year. Here's What Minimises The Damage
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Japan Is Struck By 1,500-2,000 Earthquakes A Year. Here's What Minimises The Damage
Last Updated: Japan faces 1,500 to 2,000 earthquakes annually, yet major losses and damages are rare. Discover the systems and strategies that keep the nation and its people safe Japan experiences more earthquakes than any other country in the world, with around 1,500 to 2,000 tremors felt each year, ranging from mild to severe. Situated on the volatile Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet, Japan is the most earthquake-prone nation globally. Yet, despite this constant seismic activity, it manages to minimise loss of life and damage remarkably well. Here's how. Cutting-Edge Earthquake Warning System Japan has developed one of the world's most advanced earthquake alert systems, managed by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). This system can detect the initial seismic waves of an earthquake and issue alerts within seconds via television, radio, mobile phones, and public sirens. Even infrastructure responds automatically, for instance, trains, lifts, and industrial machinery stop immediately to prevent accidents. The iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) features an automatic braking system that activates as soon as seismic activity is detected. As soon as the first tremors are recorded, rescue services are put on high alert. Fast And Effective Tsunami Warnings Loudspeakers, sirens, and emergency broadcasts direct people in coastal regions to move to higher ground. To defend against powerful waves, Japan has built concrete seawalls up to 10 to 15 metres high in many coastal cities. Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure Japan enforces strict building codes designed to minimise damage during seismic events. Most modern buildings are constructed with flexible materials and designs that absorb vibrations. Older buildings are routinely retrofitted for earthquake resistance. Infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and railways are built using seismic-resistant techniques. For example, many of Tokyo's skyscrapers withstood the 2011 earthquake (magnitude 9.0) due to these engineering advances. Regular Drills And Community Preparedness Preparedness is a cornerstone of Japan's approach. Earthquake and tsunami drills are held regularly in schools, offices, and public institutions. Every year on September 1, the country observes Disaster Prevention Day, a nationwide exercise in readiness. Most households have emergency kits stocked with essentials like food, water, medicines, and torches. From a young age, children are taught survival techniques such as 'drop, cover, and hold" during drills at school. Heavy Investment In Scientific Research Japan invests extensively in earthquake and tsunami research. Scientists continuously monitor tectonic activity using advanced satellite and GPS systems. Supercomputers simulate earthquake scenarios and model tsunami effects to refine evacuation and rescue strategies. This commitment to science helps authorities act quickly and effectively, often saving lives and reducing long-term damage. Swift Relief And Rescue Operations Japan has dedicated disaster response teams at both local and national levels, ready to act as soon as an earthquake or tsunami hits. The Japanese Self-Defence Forces also play a crucial role in rescue missions. Following a disaster, the government rapidly deploys temporary housing, restores basic infrastructure, and provides medical aid. Society at large participates in community support and volunteer efforts, helping affected families recover. A Culture Of Cooperation One of Japan's greatest strengths during natural disasters is its strong sense of community and civic responsibility. People actively assist one another during crises. After the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Japanese communities displayed remarkable unity, helping to rebuild lives and cities. On July 30, Japan once again demonstrated its resilience. 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Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : disaster management Earthquake Fukushima Fukushima nuclear plant General Knowledge japan Japan earthquake Japan Tsunami Natural disasters tsunami view comments Location : Japan First Published: July 31, 2025, 10:31 IST News world Japan Is Struck By 1,500-2,000 Earthquakes A Year. Here's What Minimises The Damage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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