Hiroshi Kawase

Professor, Division of Disaster Management for Safe and Secure Society,

Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI)

Kyoto University

After the devastating disaster during 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu (Kobe) earthquake, we have been developing physics-based ground motion simulation technique and subsequent building damage prediction methodology for a whole seismic disaster risk evaluation in urbanized areas. Our approach of the damage prediction is especially unique and important in order to reflect the difference of strong motion characteristics in between inland crustal earthquakes and subduction-zone mega-thrust earthquakes. After the damage prediction in the areas near the coast of the Pacific, we evaluate the performance of the current tsunami evacuation plan considering the road blockade due to collapsed houses. It is quite important for smooth evacuation of residents to prevent collapse of houses as much as possible in the urbanized areas.