On September 1, 1923, the 関東大震災 (Great Kanto Earthquake) struck the Tokyo area and flattened the city. It registered about 8.4 (out of 10) on the Richter Scale!
It struck at noon, when people were preparing lunch with gas stoves, so many fires broke out. Over 100,000 people died. And most of the deaths were from the fires.
(This photo was taken of the earthquake’s aftermath by August Kengelbacher).
Every year on September 1, the 自衛隊 (Japanese Self-Defense Forces) hold an earthquake drill with the public to help prepare for another major earthquake.
This year’s drill was held yesterday (Sunday) so that more of the public could participate. About 15,000 people were a part of this year’s drill.
Also, American military stationed in Japan and Korean and Taiwanese rescue teams helped with the drill.
Tokyo Five 
>> Yes. In Japan, alot of people don’t have an earthquake kit ready.
We have one!
My wife participated in a neighborhood earthquake drill, my son in school and myself in the office. We are getting used to all these mild earthquakes now, especially my son who was freaked out initially.
I had blogged about earthquakes a few months ago based on a report from Forbes, see http://bartman905.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/earthquakes/
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sfrunner…
>Like the SF quake of 1906, the fires were more of the damage than the quake itself.
Really? A similar situation.
>Despite all this, roughly (only) one of every three people in SF are prepared for an earthquake according to the latest opinion polls. Sad indeed!
Yes. In Japan, alot of people don’t have an earthquake kit ready.
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MB…
>Did you particpate in the Earthquake Drill?
No, we didn’t this year. I went once years ago.
>Do the kids have another pet Rhino beetle?
Yes. They get one almost every summer.
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tokyo5, I recently read about the Great Kanto Quake in our library. Like the SF quake of 1906, the fires were more of the damage than the quake itself.
Despite all this, roughly one of every three people in SF are prepared for an earthquake according to the latest opinion polls. Sad indeed!
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I didn’t know about other Statues of Liberty. Interesting!
Did you particpate in the Earthquake Drill?
I like the blog about bugs. Bugs are creepy but interesting. Do the kids have another pet Rhino beetle?
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