Questions about 2011 Tōhoku earthquake

[Pakau]

Since 1990, Japan had so many earthquakes. In all these earthquakes the casualties were almost zero except in 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. In Tōhoku 2011, the number of deaths alone is said to be almost 16,000. Why was the toll so high that time? Were the casualty figures real or was it media propaganda for political purpose?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...uakes_in_Japan

[sgars]

Look at the magnitude column in your wiki link too. That will answer your question.

And Richter scale is a log scale. Richter scale 9 is 10 times more powerful than Richter scale 8. Most of the buildings are designed to withstand Richter scale 7-8. Like Tehri Dam is designed to withstand Richter scale 7.5 earthquake.


Dissappointed? Wrong answer?
Did'nt you expect - "Oohhh what a brilliant theory. There is sure a conspiracy by China and Russia"

[Pakau]

Originally Posted by sgars

Look at the magnitude column in your wiki link too. That will answer your question.

And Richter scale is a log scale. Richter scale 9 is 10 times more powerful than Richter scale 8. Most of the buildings are designed to withstand Richter scale 7-8. Like Tehri Dam is designed to withstand Richter scale 7.5 earthquake.


Dissappointed? Wrong answer?
Did'nt you expect - "Oohhh what a brilliant theory. There is sure a conspiracy by China and Russia"

But earthquake of similar Richter scale has probably happened before and after in Japan. But casualties reported were negligible.

[sgars]

The closest to 9 were 8.4 and 8.9 (it is a log scale, 9 would be much bigger than 8.4 and bigger than 8.9) which happened 1200+ years back. How would any one know how many died at that time.

Lets say, an earthquake hit Karachi 1000 years back and the same earthquake hits today. When will the toll be higher

The 2004 Tsunami also had a similar magnitutde and the death toll was much higher (50k in Indonesia alone)

[tamaacha]

Chya Mae le hepu dhagad dhagad