1923 Great Kantō earthquake facts for kids
| UTC time | 1923-09-01 02:58:35 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 911526 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | September 1, 1923 |
| Local time | 11:58:32 JST (UTC+09:00) |
| Duration | 48 s 4 min |
| Magnitude | 7.9 8.0 8.2 Mw |
| Depth | 23 km (14 mi) |
| Epicenter | 35°19.6′N 139°8.3′E / 35.3267°N 139.1383°E |
| Type | Megathrust |
| Areas affected | Japan |
| Max. intensity | XI (Extreme) |
| Tsunami | Up to 12 m (39 ft) in Atami, Shizuoka, Tōkai |
| Landslides | Yes |
| Aftershocks | 6 of 7.0 M or higher |
| Casualties | 105,385–142,800 deaths |
The Great Kantō earthquake (関東大震災 (Kantō daishinsai)) was a very powerful natural disaster that hit Japan. It happened in the Kantō region on the island of Honshū. The earthquake struck on Saturday, September 1, 1923, at 11:58:44 AM Japan Standard Time. It shook the ground for about 4 to 10 minutes.
This huge earthquake caused a lot of damage. It destroyed much of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. The port city of Yokohama was also badly hit. Areas around these cities, like Chiba, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka, also suffered widespread damage. Sadly, around 140,000 people lost their lives.
Contents
What Happened During the Great Kantō Earthquake?
The earthquake was very strong, with a magnitude of about 7.9 to 8.2. It was a type of earthquake called a megathrust earthquake. This happens when one of Earth's large plates slides under another. The shaking was so intense that it was rated as "Extreme" on the Mercalli intensity scale.
How Did the Earthquake Cause So Much Damage?
The main earthquake caused many problems. Buildings collapsed, especially older ones. But the biggest danger came from the fires that started right after the shaking. Many homes in Japan at that time had open flames for cooking or heating. When the earthquake hit, these fires spread quickly.
Fires and Firestorms
The fires grew into massive firestorms, especially in Tokyo and Yokohama. Strong winds from a typhoon nearby made the fires even worse. They swept through the cities, burning everything in their path. One firestorm created a huge "dragon twist" of fire that killed many people seeking safety.
Tsunamis and Landslides
Besides the fires, the earthquake also caused other natural disasters. Large tsunami waves hit the coast, with some reaching up to 12 meters (about 39 feet) high in places like Atami. These waves added to the destruction along the coast. The earthquake also triggered many landslides, where large amounts of earth moved down hillsides.
Aftershocks and Their Impact
After the main earthquake, there were many smaller earthquakes called aftershocks. Six of these aftershocks were very strong, with magnitudes of 7.0 or higher. These continued to cause damage and fear in the days and weeks after the main quake.
What Was the Impact of the Earthquake?
The Great Kantō earthquake was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history. The number of people who died was huge, estimated to be between 105,385 and 142,800. Most of these deaths were caused by the fires.
Damage to Cities and Homes
The earthquake and fires destroyed a huge part of Tokyo and Yokohama. Many homes, businesses, and important buildings were ruined. It took a long time for the cities to rebuild and recover from such widespread damage.
Gallery
Images for kids
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The Metropolitan Police Department burning at Marunouchi, near Hibiya Park
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A memorial service for people from other countries who died in the earthquake. The woman burning incense is the wife of the Italian Ambassador to Japan. The service was held at Zōjō-ji in Shiba Park.
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Fire clouds over Kantō
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Gran terremoto de Kantō para niños
