SAKIGAKE管理人 1. Introduction: What was the Niigata Chuetsu-oki Earthquake?
At 10:13 a.m. on July 16, 2007, a magnitude 6.8 (JMA) / 6.6 (USGS) inland earthquake struck approximately 17 km off the coast of Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, at a depth of around 17 km. It recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 6+ on the JMA scale in Niigata and Nagano Prefectures, causing widespread destruction to buildings, roads, and railways, especially in the epicentral area of Kashiwazaki.
Source: Komeri Disaster Preparedness Center
https://www.komeri-npo.org/record/earthquake/chuetsuoki/h19/14/
The disaster resulted in 15 fatalities, over 2,300 injuries, and extensive damage including 1,331 completely destroyed houses, 5,710 half-collapsed houses, and over 30,000 partially damaged buildings. At the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, a fire and leakage of radioactive water into the sea were also reported, causing significant social and economic disruption.
2. Damage and Recovery: Buildings, Infrastructure, and Lifelines
2.1 Structural Damage and Impact of Liquefaction
- Residential Damage: 1,331 buildings completely destroyed, 5,710 partially collapsed, and over 35,000 with partial damage. In Kashiwazaki alone: 1,109 fully collapsed, 4,505 partially, and 22,500 with minor damage.
- Liquefaction: Following the 2004 Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake, the same region once again experienced liquefaction, causing severe ground subsidence and tilting of buildings.
2.2 Lifeline Disruptions
- Electricity: 25,200 households in Niigata and 21,200 in Nagano Prefecture lost power; full recovery took several days.
- Water Supply: 61,500 households in Niigata faced water outages, with restoration taking up to three weeks.
- Telecommunications and Gas: Phone and gas services were interrupted, triggering extensive confusion in daily life.
3. Broad Economic and Social Impact
3.1 Industrial Shutdowns
Operations at some auto parts manufacturers were suspended, leading to the temporary shutdown of production at major automobile makers such as Toyota. This incident underscored how disruption at a single production site can ripple across an entire supply chain.
3.2 Nuclear Power Plant Disturbance
At the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, a fire and minor radioactive water leakage occurred. While the situation did not escalate into a major nuclear accident, it triggered serious concerns over seismic design and emergency response protocols, prompting a re-evaluation of Japan’s nuclear regulatory frameworks.
Nuclear Plant Shock – A Wake-Up Call for Japan’s Disaster Preparedness
A fire broke out in a transformer at the TEPCO-operated Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant immediately following the quake. In addition, small amounts of radioactive water were found to have leaked into the sea. This incident raised immediate and critical questions about the plant’s seismic resistance and emergency preparedness, and it marked a turning point in Japan’s nuclear regulatory policy.
This event raised key concerns:
- The risk that unforeseen seismic forces could exceed design expectations
- Communication disruptions and delayed emergency responses
- The lack of wide-area evacuation plans in place for nuclear disasters
These issues lie at the intersection of natural hazards and infrastructure technology—and demand a proactive role from disaster prevention companies like ours.
Source: Komeri Disaster Preparedness Center
https://www.komeri-npo.org/record/earthquake/chuetsuoki/h19/14/
4. Lessons Learned and Directions for Disaster Preparedness
4.1 Strengthening Business Continuity Planning (BCP)
For manufacturers and infrastructure operators, preparing to continue operations during a disaster is essential. This earthquake revealed how a local disruption could have national implications—highlighting the importance of BCP formulation and training.
4.2 Addressing Liquefaction and Seismic Retrofitting
For areas with similar geological risks, it is urgent to implement liquefaction mapping, soil reinforcement, and structural retrofitting—through joint efforts by both governments and private enterprises.
4.3 Community-Based Mutual Support and Training
Following the lessons of the earlier 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, response training has improved. In Hojo District, residents were able to act within one hour after the quake—a testament to the power of community-led disaster response systems.
4.4 Reinforcing Lifelines and Information Systems
In Nagaoka City, comprehensive plans such as the “Nagaoka City Disaster Preparedness Enhancement Policy” were implemented to strengthen both physical and systemic readiness.
Source: Komeri Disaster Preparedness Center
https://www.komeri-npo.org/record/earthquake/chuetsuoki/h19/14/
5. How SAKIGAKE JAPAN Corp. Contributes
5.1 Advanced Monitoring and Visualization Technologies
Climate Vision / Water Vision enable real-time monitoring of flood risks based on rainfall forecasts, supporting rapid decision-making on the ground.
5.2 Solutions for Post-Disaster Infrastructure Recovery
- Cold Storage Box Portable: Ensures refrigerated storage of medical supplies and food even during power outages.
- Heli‑Portable: Deployable heliport platform that can be set up within 10 minutes when roads are impassable, facilitating emergency transport.
5.3 Business Continuity and Operational Support
We offer support for BCP planning, disaster drills, and seismic risk assessments—helping organizations maintain operations during emergencies.
5.4 Human Resource Development and Community Collaboration
Through the “Disaster Management Specialist” certification system, we help local communities build practical, on-the-ground capability. We also support community-based workshops and training sessions that foster a participatory disaster management culture.
6. Universal Messages Toward a Resilient Society
| Lesson | Significance |
|---|---|
| Early BCP Implementation | Local factory shutdowns can spark national crises |
| Counter-Liquefaction Measures | Weak ground conditions amplify destruction |
| Community Collaboration | Resident-led responses can accelerate recovery |
| Lifeline Reinforcement | Prevents isolation and hardship during recovery |
7. Conclusion: Toward a Future Where Disaster Preparedness Equals Investment
Eighteen years have passed since the 2007 Niigata Chuetsu-oki Earthquake. Disasters continue to strike, with evolving patterns of damage. By reframing “preparedness” as a strategic investment, collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities can mitigate future impacts.
SAKIGAKE JAPAN Corp. remains committed to promoting this mindset through technology deployment, education, and system design—advancing disaster preparedness as a valuable social infrastructure and contributing to resilient, earthquake-resistant communities.
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