Personal Preparation:
Many deaths were caused by roofs with heavy, typhoon-resistant tiling caving in on people. These deaths could be avoided in future earthquakes by either reinforcing roofs or developing tiling that is not as heavy. If neither of these are possible, in the event of an earthquake residents should immediately go outside.
Most of the buildings that collapsed in the earthquake were built pre-1981 when new construction codes went into effect. These older buildings were wood-frame or stucco structures that collapsed immediately in the event. Residents can avoid this next time by making sure their homes are built to code.
After the earthquake, fires raged in Kobe, causing massive additional damage. Kerosene stoves and gas cookers that residents used started many of these fires. In the case of a future event, much of the destruction caused by fire could be avoided if residents made sure the stoves were off when not in use, or immediately turned them off when the event began.
Along with the physical damage done by the earthquake, the economic damage was catastrophic. The event caused an estimated $102.5 billion of damage and is considered the costliest natural disaster ever. Only 3% of homes in Kobe were insured, resulting in huge economic losses for those who had lost their homes. In the future, residents in seismically active areas should always have home insurance if they can afford it.
Response Plan:
The response to the event in Kobe was slow as a result of a governmental structure that did not allow for disruption. When the earthquake caused disruption, the governmental system became paralyzed and local authorities hesitated to make crucial decisions without the approval of the higher-ups. In the future, Japan’s governmental structure must be reworked to allow for emergency response to be carried out on local as well as national levels.
A huge issue following the Kobe earthquake was getting in and out of the city. Many of the highways were damaged due to lack of steel reinforcing and a mass exodus from the city following the earthquake was restricted to only a few roads. Many deaths occurred because rescuers were simply caught in a traffic jam and couldn’t get there in time. In the future, authorities must keep roads clear to allow for emergency personnel to get to effected areas and make it clear that residents must make way.
A huge problem in Kobe was the fact that there was no on-sight medical treatment. Residents had to get themselves to medical centers to receive treatment, which doomed seriously injured people to die slowly and painfully. In the future, Kobe must be ready with medical response teams that can go out into the city and provide urgent care for the seriously injured and make sure they get to a center.
Japan also denied assistance from the US military following the Kobe earthquake. Had the US military been allowed to help, it could have provided helicopters and personnel to help distribute supplies and medicine. In the future, Japan, and any other disaster stricken country, must let go of ego and accept assistance when offered.
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