Prediction, preparation and protection

1.3.4 MEDC - Christchurch, 2011

1.4.1 Case study: Indian Ocean, 2004

Prediction, preparation and protection

  1. Prediction

    1. Monitor earth tremors, like Japan
    2. Observe animal behaviour, although this is viewed sceptically in the west; for example, in 1975, 150 thousand people were saved in Haicheng, China

  2. Preparation

    1. Preemptive evacuation
    2. Hospitals, emergency services and inhabitants practise for major disasters, including having drills in public buildings and a code of practice

  3. Protection

    1. Base isolation: decoupling the foundation from the rest of the building so that the base can move in the earthquake without the rest of the building
    2. Tuned mass damper: dampens violent vibrations to keep the building stable