Although this earthquake occurred in a MEDC, it was not properly prepared so there were many deaths.

Situated in Japan.

The eruption happened on January 17th 1995.

Kobe is a city housing 1.4 million people.

Gas and electricity pipes were fractured - causing fires.

Final death toll +4,500 and +25,000.

Water, gas, and electricity were cut off in many homes.

A loss of water meant it was difficult to put out fires.

Most people lived in temporary shacks which were destroyed by fire easily.

The Earthquake measured 6.9 on the Richter scale.

The disaster relief plans were inadequate.

Sanitation was another major problem because there was no running water.

Some expansion joints on bridges failed and others were not large enough.