Japan: Predicted damage worsens for expected major inland quake in Tokyo area
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's disaster prevention council has updated damage predictions in case an inland earthquake hits the Tokyo metropolitan area following the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011. According to Mainichi Daily News, the latest predictions, described as a "worst possible scenario" by the council, presents more realistic suppositions than those released by a panel to the Cabinet Office in late March.
Based on these, the metropolitan government highlights the importance of making infrastructure and houses more anti-fire and quake-resistant, and of increasing individual citizens' preparations and awareness in order to minimize possible damage. "The latest damage predictions should serve as food for thought for each and every resident over what they should do," said Yuji Daigo, chief for disaster prevention at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.