I　Understanding Disasters

Toyama Prefecture has many active faults. It is estimated that these faults have the potential to cause large earthquakes of up to magnitude 7. Toyama experienced up to shindo 5 on the Japanese intensity scale when the 2007 Noto Earthquake (M6.9) struck, which was the most shaking witnessed in this area in 77 years since the 1930 earthquake off western Ishikawa Prefecture (shindo 5 in Fushiki, Takaoka).

Earthquake Preparation

Of the more than 6,400 lives that were lost in the catastrophic Great Hanshin Earthquake (1995 Kobe Earthquake), over 80% were victims of collapsed buildings, and almost half of the 43,800 people wounded were victims of falling furniture. It is important to be prepared for earthquakes.

Prevent furniture and appliances from falling over

Action Guide

If you are at home:

1. Protect yourself by getting under a desk or table, and check the news alerts on TV or on your phone.

2. When the shaking has subsided, turn off the gas by closing the main valve, and switch off the circuit breaker. If there is a fire, put it out with a fire extinguisher.

3. Open the door and ensure an exit. Check your surroundings and remain calm.

4. Check on your neighbors and provide help if you can.

5. Evacuate on foot wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, and only carrying what is absolutely necessary. (Driving can cause transportation problems, or create obstructions for evacuees or emergency vehicles.)

If you are not at home:

Elevator

If the elevator does not stop automatically, press the buttons for all of the floors and exit at whichever floor it stops. If you are stuck, press the emergency button and use the intercom to communicate.

Road/Sidewalk

Resist the urge to stop where you are, and evacuate to a safe area such as an empty lot or park while being careful of falling objects such as window glass and signs. Do not go near concrete block walls or vending machines. Never touch hanging power lines (electric cables).

Driving a Car

Slamming the brakes cause accidents. Gradually slow down, stop at the left side of the road, and shut off the engine. If you are leaving the car, keep the car unlocked and leave your key.

Train/Bus

Hold on tightly to something. Protect your head from falling bags from the baggage rack. Do not hastily exit unnecessarily. Follow instructions from staff.

Beach/Coast

Immediately move away from the coast and go to a safe place such as a hill, as there could be incoming tsunami. Do not go near the coast until the tsunami advisory or warning has been lifted.

Mountains/Steep Slopes/Rivers

Quickly move away from any place landslides might occur. If there is not enough time, hide under a large tree. Run away from rivers.

(1) Active Faults in Toyama Prefecture

(2) Expected Damage

(for Kurehayama Fault Zone earthquake)

It is estimated that the number of deaths could be roughly reduced by half with an increase in the rate of earthquake resistant homes.

Magnitude and Shindo

"Magnitude" refers to the measurement of the size of the earthquake itself, while shindo refers to the degree of shaking in a given location on a scale of 0 to 7. The 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake was M7.3 and a maximum of shindo 7, while the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake was M8.4 and also recorded a maximum of shindo 7.

1858 Hietsu Earthquake
In April 1858, a large earthquake of shindo 6 struck the area. The peaks of Otonbiyama and Kotonbiyama collapsed, and the resulting sediment flow caused great damage to the Toyama plains. It is thought that approximately 200 million square meters (160 times the size of Tokyo Dome) of this sediment still remains in the Tateyama Caldera. If this were to all flow out, it would cover all of the Toyama plains in over two meters of soil. Erosion control work (sabo) to prevent such disasters began over 100 years ago, and still continues today.