Japan: Tokyo needs to be better prepared for fires spawned by earthquakes - Opinion

According to scientists, there is a 30 per cent chance that Tokyo would be hit by a magnitude-7 earthquake within the next 10. And a strong earthquake can trigger numerous large fires simultaneously, reports The Asahi Shimbun.

One of the problems is that fire engines may not be able to pass because of the rubble from the buildings toppled by the earthquakes. The author of the article calls for the establishment of an effective system to ensure that local residents can work together to quench fires before they get out of control. In addition, evacuation and preparedness plans, drills, and improved at large evacuation centers would be essential to reduce the fire risk following earthquakes.