The Earthquake in Ōsaka-Fu Hokubu on 18 June 2018 and its Ensuing Disaster

Abstract

An M6.1 earthquake occurred in the northern part of Ōsaka-fu (Osaka Prefecture) on June 18, 2018, with many areas in the Kinki region experiencing intense shaking. In Ōsaka City and Takatsuki City seismic intensity 6 lower was observed, resulting in 4 deaths, 15 people sustaining serious injuries, 419 people sustaining minor injuries, 10 completely destroyed residence, 181 partially destroyed residences, and 32,989 residences partially damaged (as of July 17, 2018). There were 339 cases of people being trapped in elevators. At most, approximately 1700 people were evacuated. While there were no derailment incidents on the Shinkansen or local train lines, service was suspended on most railways. Following this earthquake, Ōsaka-fu took the decision to apply The Disaster Relief Act. Response was then enacted by the government local public bodies, and the private sector.