Japan, an island nation located on the boundary of four tectonic plates, is prone to frequent and damaging earthquakes. The country lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a 25,000-mile arc that stretches around the Pacific, where the world’s most active volcanoes are located and the most earthquakes take place.

Recent Earthquake

A recent 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture, prompting thousands of emergency responders to mobilize in search, rescue, and relief efforts. The quake left at least 13 people dead and many more injured or unaccounted for.

Japan is well-prepared for disasters like these, having invested billions of dollars into cutting-edge quake detection technology, response and evacuation systems, and quake-proof infrastructure. Residents, including children, regularly practice earthquake and evacuation drills.

Earthquake Preparedness

Japan is a world leader in earthquake preparedness and resiliency. Buildings are required to have anti-seismic technology, such as walls and floors that can absorb vibrations and shaking, or flexible structures that allow buildings to move during quakes but not collapse.

The Japanese government has warned that the country could soon experience a once-in-a-century “megathrust earthquake,” with a 70% to 80% chance of occurring within 30 years. Experts recommend that Japan continue to prepare and raise public awareness on emergency response.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.