Devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit Japan yesterday on March 11 2011. There are still a lot of missing people to be found and a lot of damaged infrastructure to be restored. But it’s certainly clear that the magnitude 8.9 quake—one of the most powerful in the recorded history of the whole planet—with the epicenter so close to the most densely populated area of the planet haven’t caught Japan unprepared.
Japan’s strict building codes made even the skyscrapers on Shinjuku to withstand the quake. Constant drills and full access to ongoing information helped people to act calmly and reasonably.
So what exactly helped people of Japan to survive the devastating tsunami and disastrous earthquake?
Areas that are prone to tsunamis are protected by the special anti-tsunami facilities or tall anti-tsunami walls. Like this one 10m high wall in Tarou:
Or a smaller one in Kamakuri:
The coastal areas are covered with signs. Some of them just advice to be careful about tsunamis but most signs provide pretty detailed instruction, saying what to do and where to go in case of tsunami.
This sign is using famous classic Japan painting “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Hokusai.
