The Noto Peninsula earthquake measured a maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale. Amidst reports of the enormous damage, a huge Nankai Trough earthquake is expected to occur in the near future. It is expected to cause severe tremors and large tsunamis over a wide area of Japan, from Kanto to Kyushu, with tsunamis exceeding 30 meters high being observed in some areas.
In Osaka Prefecture, it is estimated that up to 130,000 people could die and up to 180,000 buildings could be completely destroyed if the Nankai Trough earthquake occurs, including flooding caused by the sinking of levees and seawalls and the inflow of river water. How can we prepare for and protect our lives in the event of a huge Nankai Trough earthquake, which is expected to occur in the near future? What should we do in the event of such an earthquake? We will discuss the worstcase scenario and preparedness together with Mr. Yoshiaki Kawata, an authority in the field of disasters and Director of Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution (DRI), Kansai University.