Ten years ago, Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture was hit by two powerful earthquakes, both reaching the maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale. The quakes were triggered by movement along the northern edge of the Hinagu and Futagawa fault zones.
The dual disaster caused severe damage to electronic component factories, which are the backbone of the local economy, as well as gas explosions in residential areas that suffered ground subsidence. These incidents exposed weaknesses in the earthquake-resistant design of industrial facilities and gas distribution systems.
According to experts, focusing only on reinforcing buildings is not enough. Kumamoto needs a comprehensive strategy, including upgrading technical standards for critical factories, installing automatic safety valves to prevent gas leaks in areas with soft ground, and building infrastructure nodes that can recover quickly from disruptions.
The lesson from Kumamoto is that thorough preparation not only reduces human casualties but also shortens production recovery time, ensuring that supply chains are not broken. Delays in reviewing and revising current safety regulations could lead to unpredictable future consequences.
Central and local governments are currently considering a series of reforms, including requiring essential businesses to have their own backup plans and encouraging investment in real-time seismic monitoring technology. However, experts stress that only with strong political commitment and sufficient financial resources can this overhaul be completed before the next disaster strikes.
