The 6.9 Mw Great Hanshin earthquake shakes the southern Hyōgo Prefecture with a maximum Shindo of VII, leaving 5,502-6,434 people dead, and 251,301-310,000 displaced.

Understanding the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995

The Great Hanshin earthquake, officially known in Japan as the Hanshin Awaji daishinsai (阪神・淡路大震災), or commonly referred to as the Kobe earthquake, was a catastrophic seismic event that struck the southern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, including the densely populated Hanshin region. This devastating earthquake occurred precisely at 05:46:53 Japan Standard Time (JST) on January 17, 1995, which corresponds to 20:46:53 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on January 16, 1995. Its impact was profound, particularly on the city of Kobe, which lay closest to the epicenter.

Seismic Characteristics and Tremor Details

Measuring an impressive 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale (Mw), the Great Hanshin earthquake released an immense amount of energy. The ground shaking reached an unprecedented maximum intensity of 7 on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) Seismic Intensity Scale. This '7' rating, the highest possible on Japan's unique scale, signifies violent tremors that make it impossible to stand, causing widespread destruction of non-earthquake-resistant wooden structures and significant damage to even reinforced concrete buildings. For international comparison, this corresponded to an intensity of XI (Extreme) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, indicating very heavy damage. The intense shaking, which felt like a massive jolt, persisted for approximately 20 agonizing seconds, a duration long enough to cause severe structural fatigue and widespread collapse.

The earthquake's hypocenter, or focus—the point within the Earth where the rupture began—was located at a relatively shallow depth of 17 kilometers (approximately 10.6 miles) beneath its epicenter. This shallow depth contributed significantly to the severe ground motion experienced at the surface. The epicenter itself was situated on the northern end of Awaji Island, a mere 20 kilometers (about 12.4 miles) southwest of the bustling center of Kobe, making the city particularly vulnerable to the direct impact of the seismic waves. The rupture occurred along a complex system of faults, including the Nojima Fault on Awaji Island and active faults running directly underneath Kobe's urban areas.

The Devastating Human and Infrastructural Impact

The human toll of the Great Hanshin earthquake was tragic and immense. Approximately 6,434 people lost their lives as a direct result of the earthquake. The vast majority of these fatalities, around 4,600 individuals, were residents of Kobe, underscoring the severe impact on this major port city. Many deaths were attributed to collapsed buildings, trapping residents in their homes, and subsequent fires that raged through damaged districts, exacerbated by broken water mains which hampered firefighting efforts.

Kobe, a metropolis with a population of about 1.5 million at the time, was uniquely positioned as the major urban center closest to the epicenter, thus experiencing the strongest and most destructive tremors. Beyond the tragic loss of life, the earthquake caused widespread injuries, displaced hundreds of thousands, and inflicted unprecedented damage on critical infrastructure:

Historical Context and Enduring Legacy

The Great Hanshin earthquake stands as Japan's deadliest earthquake in the 20th century since the devastating Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, which claimed over 105,000 lives and leveled much of Tokyo and Yokohama. Its profound impact served as a critical turning point for Japan's disaster preparedness and urban planning. The lessons learned from the Kobe earthquake significantly influenced subsequent revisions of building codes, strengthening requirements for structures, particularly older ones, and enhancing emergency response protocols.

The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of urban areas to large-scale seismic events and spurred major investments in seismic retrofitting, public awareness campaigns for disaster drills, and the development of more resilient infrastructure. It underscored the importance of not only robust building standards but also community-level preparedness and effective communication during crises. The resilience demonstrated by the people of Kobe and the rapid, albeit challenging, recovery efforts became a testament to Japan's capacity to rebuild and adapt in the face of immense adversity, shaping its approach to natural disaster mitigation for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Great Hanshin Earthquake

What was the official name of the Great Hanshin Earthquake?
It is officially known in Japan as the Hanshin Awaji daishinsai (阪神・淡路大震災), encompassing the Hanshin region and Awaji Island. It is also widely referred to as the Kobe earthquake due to the severe impact on the city of Kobe.
When did the Great Hanshin Earthquake occur?
The earthquake struck in the early morning of January 17, 1995, at 05:46:53 Japan Standard Time (JST).
How strong was the Great Hanshin Earthquake?
It measured 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale (Mw) and had a maximum intensity of 7 on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) Seismic Intensity Scale, which is the highest possible rating on that scale, signifying extremely violent shaking.
How many people died in the Great Hanshin Earthquake?
Approximately 6,434 people died as a direct result of this earthquake. About 4,600 of these fatalities occurred within the city of Kobe alone.
What was the main impact of the Great Hanshin Earthquake on Kobe?
Kobe, being closest to the epicenter, experienced the strongest tremors, leading to widespread collapse of buildings, significant loss of life, devastating fires, and catastrophic damage to its crucial port and infrastructure, profoundly impacting the city's residents and economy.