Plenary: Catastrophe in Japan: A Preliminary Assessment

Mon. 8:30-10:00 a.m., Interlocken A/B

Plenary sessions at the 2011 Natural Hazards Workshop focus on earthquakes and earthquake sequences in three different societies, each of which presents distinct challenges. The magnitude 9.0 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant disasters have been called Japan's greatest catastrophe since World War II. The massive subduction earthquake and tsunami that followed resulted in approximately 15,000 deaths and 8,000 people missing, and led to core meltdowns in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility. These events illustrate how major disasters can trigger cascading and unprecedented crises, and how such crises can create monumental response and recovery challenges—even in well prepared and prosperous societies. The societal and economic impacts of the earthquake-tsunami-nuclear disaster are sure to be studied for decades. Speakers from Japan and the United States will provide initial insights on the events and their impacts on Japanese society.

Panelist Kathleen Tierney, Moderator
University of Colorado Natural Hazards Center

 

Panelist Najmedin Meshkati, Panelist
University of Southern California


PanelistHaruo Hayashi, Panelist
Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute

 

PanelistShigeo Tatsuki, Panelist
Doshisha University

 

PanelistTricia Wachtendorf, Panelist
University of Delaware Disaster Research Center

 

 

NHC