Journal of Natural Disaster Science

SOCIETAL IMPLICATIONS OF GREAT HANSHIN-AWAJI EARTHQUAKE DISASTER OF JANUARY 17, 1995

Haruo HAYASHI
Associate Professor, Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Uji, JAPAN
and
Yoshiaki KAWATA
Professor, Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Uji, JAPAN

(Received March, 1995 and in revised form 8 May, 1995)

Abstract

A brief overview of what happened during the first month after the Hyogoken-nambu earthquake of January 17, 1995 is given in terms both of the emergency responses initiated and the societal impact. For emergency responses, formal organization responses are discussed in reference to "Saigai taisaku kihon-ho (the Fundamental Disaster Management Law)" and "Saigai kyujyo-ho (the Disaster Relief Law)". Using the Kobe Fire Department as an example, search and rescue efforts as well as fire suppression activities are reviewed. The post-quake emergence of a voluntary building damage assessment program is discussed. In terms of the societal impact, the deaths and injuries caused by this earthquake, provision of shelters and related housing measures are discussed. The early restoration planning initiated by Kobe City also is briefly introduced.

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