dw.com
Japan Upgrades Earthquake Emergency Plan Amidst Rising Seismic Activity
Japan enacted an updated civil protection emergency plan this week to better prepare for earthquakes, prompted by a recent series of strong quakes on the Tokara Islands and the high likelihood of a magnitude 9 earthquake in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years.
- How does Japan's geographic location and geological features contribute to its vulnerability to major earthquakes and tsunamis?
- This heightened seismic activity, while not unprecedented in the Tokara Islands, underscores Japan's vulnerability along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The nation lies on the convergence of four tectonic plates, creating significant stress along the Nankai Trough, where an 80% probability of a magnitude 9 earthquake within the next 30 years is predicted, potentially causing 298,000 deaths and 2.35 million destroyed buildings.
- What immediate actions is Japan taking to mitigate the risks posed by its high seismic activity and the predicted Nankai megathrust earthquake?
- Japan recently updated its civil protection emergency plan to better protect its citizens during natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. The country experiences roughly 1500 earthquakes annually, with a recent series of over 1700 quakes on the Tokara Islands since June 21st, 2025, culminating in a magnitude 5 quake on July 7th, 2025. This prompted many residents to voluntarily relocate to the main islands.
- What are the long-term implications of the predicted Nankai megathrust earthquake for Japan's infrastructure, population distribution, and emergency response systems?
- The new emergency plan aims to reduce earthquake-related casualties and property damage by 80%, although experts deem this goal ambitious. The plan focuses on improved infrastructure like tsunami walls and evacuation towers, alongside public awareness campaigns on evacuation procedures and escape routes. The lessons learned from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, particularly regarding the Fukushima nuclear disaster, are central to these improvements, addressing weaknesses in backup power and emergency response.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the catastrophic potential of a Nankai megathrust earthquake, using strong imagery ('34-meter-high tsunami wave', '298,000 people could lose their lives') and focusing on the government's ambitious, yet potentially unrealistic, goal of reducing losses by 80 percent. This framing might disproportionately heighten public anxiety regarding the likelihood and impact of this specific event compared to other risks.
Language Bias
While largely objective, the article uses emotionally charged language in describing the potential consequences of a megathrust earthquake, such as 'catastrophic', 'enormous tension', and 'high probability'. This language, while accurate in reflecting the gravity of the situation, could be toned down to maintain a more neutral tone. For example, instead of 'catastrophic', the article could use 'severe' or 'devastating'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the potential for a Nankai megathrust earthquake and the resulting tsunami, giving significant detail about predicted casualties and damage. However, it omits discussion of other potential natural disasters that could impact Japan, such as volcanic eruptions or typhoons. While the article's scope is understandable given its focus on earthquake preparedness, this omission might leave the reader with a skewed perception of the overall risk profile for Japan.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by repeatedly framing the situation as 'not if, but when' a megathrust earthquake will occur. While acknowledging the high probability, this simplification overlooks the complexities of earthquake prediction and the possibility of mitigating factors or variations in the timing and intensity of the event.
Sustainable Development Goals
Japan is improving its disaster preparedness plans to protect its citizens from earthquakes and tsunamis, focusing on reducing loss of life and property. The development of higher and more stable seawalls, the construction of tsunami evacuation towers, and public awareness campaigns are all direct actions to improve urban resilience and safety in the face of natural disasters. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.