We predicted, with a high degree of accuracy, strong ground motion, crustal movements, and tsunamis that would be generated from massive earthquakes that occurred sequentially, as well as the risk of an earthquake and tsunami in the same case. We conducted simulations taking into account the geographical features and condition of the region, made a highly accurate prediction of tsunamis, floods, and reversed streams, drew an appropriate hazard/risk map from these results, and proposed a strategic program that was effective in reducing damage from an earthquake and tsunami.

We estimated the degree of damage to power plants, government institutions, and other important facilities in the case of interrelated massive earthquakes and evaluated the direct and indirect influence on society. We clarified the contingency and recovery/reconstruction processes, taking into account the change in social circumstances, including aging and declining population in the disaster-stricken regions.

To use the research results for establishing disaster prevention/damage reduction policies and to develop realistic damage reduction policies, we hold regional study meetings in Nagoya, Osaka, Kochi, Kishu, Kyushu, and other areas, where damages by strong ground motion and tsunamis are expected.

The government of Kochi Prefecture, which has experienced serious tsunami damage and is expected to have the severest tsunami damage in the predicted interrelated earthquake, organized two working groups to take precautions against two types of flooding, one for a tsunami and the other for liquefaction, and implemented a variety of disaster prevention measures, including disaster prevention schemes and enlightenment of citizens, as well as such construction of tsunami evacuation buildings and routes.

In Nagoya, the political and economic center of the Tokai area, contingency plans that meet the needs peculiar to large cities are required. They established a system to collect and use the data about the ground through accumulation of data from holes bored in the ground and to repair the existing buildings for higher earthquake resistance. Thus, many efforts are being made to realize a disaster-proof city.

In this way, we shared detailed simulation results, damage prediction, and recovery/reconstruction plans for the city with the municipal staff in charge of disaster prevention and essential utilities.