
Japan’s Kumamoto Earthquake Tests the Limits of Even the World’s Most Advanced Disaster Preparedness
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan is providing a real-world test of decades of investment in seismic resilience — demonstrating the value of preparation while exposing vulnerabilities that emerge after the shaking stops. KUMAMOTO, Japan — When a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, Japan’s extensive














