Gifu Prefecture Earthquake Preparedness Day

What Is Gifu Prefecture Earthquake Preparedness Day?

October 28th is "Gifu Prefecture Earthquake Preparedness Day." It was established by Gifu Prefecture in 2005 under the prefecture's ordinance on promoting earthquake disaster countermeasures. The aim is to keep alive the memory of the Nobi Earthquake, which struck on this day in 1891 and caused the greatest damage in Gifu, and to raise awareness of earthquake preparedness.

The Largest Recorded Earthquake on Japan's Land Area

The Nobi Earthquake takes its name from the Nobi region -- southwestern Gifu (Mino) and northwestern Aichi (Owari) -- where it occurred.

• Date and time: around 6:38 a.m. on October 28, 1891
• Epicenter: Nishineo Village, Motosu District, Gifu (today's Motosu City)
• Magnitude: estimated at 8.0; an inland "directly beneath" type quake, the largest ever recorded on Japan's land area
• Damage: 7,273 dead, 17,175 injured, and more than 140,000 homes completely destroyed

What the Prefecture Asks Residents to Do

On this day, Gifu Prefecture asks residents to check the terrain around their homes and whether furniture is secured, stock food, water, and medicine, inspect block walls and emergency gear, and confirm evacuation sites, routes, and how family members will contact each other. It is a handy preparedness checklist for anyone, wherever they live.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Check that furniture and shelves at home and at work are secured
• Review the amount and expiration dates of emergency food and water
• Confirm your nearest evacuation site and the route to get there
• Discuss how you will contact family or coworkers in a disaster

Turning a Lesson from Over 130 Years Ago into Preparation Today

A major earthquake can strike anywhere at any time. October 28th is a day to remember the Nobi Earthquake and review your own preparations.