The recent earthquakes that hit Shizuoka have renewed fears that a disaster on the scale of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 may occur in the near future. It is an urgent issue that needs more public awareness.
With tens of millions living in the greater Tokyo area, the potential for large-scale human suffering is immense.
What can be done to prevent chaos in the event of such an earthquake?
The government should quickly assess the situation and create plans to mobilize the emergency services in the Kanto area. The recent quake destroyed a part of the main expressway linking Tokyo to Nagoya, closing off a main access route. Such occurrences should be prevented if lives are to be saved. Further, information in various languages should also be provided.