JAPAN: THE COUNTRY BEST PREPARED TO ATTEND EMERGENCIES CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTER

In my opinion, there is no country that can’t suffer the consequences of a natural disaster for a simple reason: we are humans and we can’t face the Mother Nature. But, over time, there have been some countries that have prepared some techniques to decrease the quantity of damage after a natural disaster like an earthquake or tsunami.

After a research, I reached a conclusion, for me the best country prepared to attend the emergencies of a natural disaster is Japan.

As we know, Japan is situated within the "Pacific Ring of Fire." This ring is a narrow strip bordering the Pacific Ocean characterized by having the highest rates of volcanic and seismic activity. Precisely where this limit is located, occurs one of the largest movements of tectonic plates on Earth. These plates are often the cause of the most destructive earthquakes in the world and are often associated with tsunamis.

In Japan, They are not only are prepared to attend an emergency after a natural disaster. They also make some awareness to the people for be prepared at the moment of a disaster.  9 out of 10 Japanese are prepared for a major earthquake.  The majority of people have emergency kits with medicine, lamps, reserves of food and water. Also, in their homes have installed supports to prevent the destruction of furnitures and electrodomestics in an earthquake.

The People who live near the coast are accustomed to suffer thousands of earthquakes of low magnitude (in fact, the word tsunami was born there). The locations on the coast, the more prone to tsunamis, are better prepared: every home has an alarm system that allows local authorities to communicate with tenants under threat. In addition, roads and other escape routes leading to higher ground, with less risk, they tend to be clearly marked. Many areas also have dikes to contain the water and some coastal cities have sensors, connected homes, that can automatically close the doors to prevent the waves from penetrating inside.

Also, The effort and investment of Japanese in the infrastructure and social awareness, placing them as the best prepared country against the risk of earthquakes. Big buildings and facilities are constructed using rigorous seismic standards and that have endured the severe shocks. Without the training of the Japanese, the disasters would be worse. But, they have shown the ability to establish their business operations, as well as ensure the functioning of society.