Japan is a country that has many earthquakes. The Miyagi-Oki Earthquake took place in 1978, causing great damage throughout the area. It is anticipated another large earthquake will occur in the future. Although we cannot predict when it will occur, it is important to be prepared for an earthquake at all times.
1.Some information about earthquakes.
Earthquakes occur due to dislocations of underground plates or faults. It is said that 15% of earthquakes across the world happen within Japan or its vicinity. Tracing back the history of earthquakes over the past 100 years, those that caused casualties hit the Japanese Archipelago every 18 months on average. Unfortunately, the occurrence of earthquakes cannot be precisely predicted as of now.
2.How to protect yourself from earthquakes.
Depending on the different levels of intensity, things may fall off shelves. When you see things fall or break, you may be frightened. It is advisable to remain calm and seek safety by putting yourself under a table or protecting your head from falling objects.
3.Be sure to put out open flames.
When an earthquake occurs, fires are likely to break out due to gas leakage or the flames of space heaters. As soon as the tremors stop and before evacuating, immediately put out any open flames; shut the main stopcocks of gas appliances; pull out the plugs of electrical appliances; and switch off circuit breakers.
4.Seeking shelter.
If it is considered necessary that residents of certain areas must evacuate, an “Evacuation Order” will be issued by the municipality and evacuation centers will be opened.
During an emergency, evacuation shelters are set up at schools or community centers in your neighborhood. You are advised to check the location of your local facilities well in advance.
Some emergency food, beverages, health care, and information are provided at every evacuation facility. You can also stay there overnight. Irrespective of nationality, everyone is welcome to any evacuation facility.
5.Getting to evacuation facilities.
You are advised to walk to evacuation facilities. Getting to an evacuation facility in your car may cause traffic jams or accidents.
Things to be taken with you should be kept to a minimum, limited to some emergency personal effects, passports, religious items, etc.
Dress casually to move easily. If you are far away from any available facilities or the facilities are closed, evacuate to a safe and open area where no hazardous objects may fall on you.
6.Places considered to be hazardous during earthquakes.
Temples and Shrines
There are breakable gates and statues.
High Buildings
Exterior walls, billboards, and glass pieces may fall on you.
Block Walls around Houses
Block walls are vulnerable to earthquakes.
Sea Coasts
Tsunami, high tidal waves, may hit sea coasts.
Please be alert to tsunami information on TV or radio.
Mountain Foot Areas
Mud slides or land slides may occur in steep hillside areas.
7.Information Sources.
Miyagi prefecture provides disaster information through TV, radio broadcasts or the prefectural web site and the cell phone site listed below.
Follow reliable information and act properly.
If you are worried about anything, feel free to contact the staff at the International Affairs Division, Miyagi Prefectural Government or Miyagi International Association (MIA).
International Affairs Division, Miyagi Prefectural Government, TEL:022-211-2971
Miyagi International Association (MIA),
TEL:022-275-3796
Emergency Message Phone Number: 171
8.Other disasters
In addition to earthquakes, other disasters include floods and snow damage. Between June and September we usually have torrential rainfalls with rapid and heavy precipitation, causing rivers to overflow or riverbanks to break. During heavy rainfalls, it is advisable to stay away from rivers.
Snow damage is caused by heavy snowfall. Some people have lost their lives due to avalanches or during snow removal operations. Please pay attention to disaster-related information.
