Japan, a country accustomed to seismic upheavals, grapples with the aftermath of a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake on New Year's Day, yet remarkably keeps its death toll at 55 despite the significant tremors. This seismic event provides a global perspective, reminding the world of the destructive potential of earthquakes, akin to prior catastrophic occurrences like those in Turkey, Nepal, and Afghanistan, which claimed thousands of lives.

The nation's seismic vulnerability stems from its location in the seismic 'Pacific Ring of Fire', experiencing about 2,000 perceptible earthquakes annually, emphasizing the constant seismic threat Japan faces.

Japan's approach to mitigating the impact of earthquakes lies in its meticulous planning and adaptation. Sitting amidst the convergence of three major tectonic plates, the nation's resilience plan involves stringent building codes, an efficient early warning system, extensive education and drills, survival kits, and measures to address tsunamis.

Key elements in Japan's seismic readiness include:

Building Codes and Retrofitting: Japan enforces strict building codes ensuring structures withstand seismic activity, focusing on two resilience levels for varying magnitudes of earthquakes.

Early Warning System: A sophisticated system provides vital advance notice to citizens and authorities through mobile alerts, vocal warnings, empowering immediate protective actions.

Education and Drills: Comprehensive education and regular drills imbue citizens with preparedness and efficient response capabilities during seismic events.

Earthquake Survival Kits: Households prepare survival kits containing essentials like first aid supplies, water, food, tools, and communication devices, obtainable from various outlets.

Tsunami Preparedness: Robust coastal barriers, seawalls, and early warning systems mitigate the risk of tsunamis, reducing the potential impact on coastal areas.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has mobilized emergency workers to supply critical resources to affected regions, emphasizing the immediate needs of the displaced.

Japan's seismic resilience, honed over years of planning and adaptation, faces a severe test. Yet, the nation's commitment to earthquake readiness stands as a global model, offering valuable lessons in managing the aftermath of seismic events and cultivating a resilient society.