The effect of lifeline damage to other lifeline networks: A past experience in Kobe and future perspective on communication technologies

Abstract

The 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake caused extensive damage to various lifeline facilities. It has been reported that interconnected problems occurred among lifelines in disaster response and restoration. After nearly 30 years, a similar situation will occur if a large city was hit by a large earthquake. However, the way of the disaster may be different from the past cases. The Lifeline Network, Kansai (LiNK), which consists of lifeline operators and researchers in the Kansai region, re-examined the past damage and the current state of countermeasures. Also, the possible interconnected problems at present are discussed. This paper focuses on communication systems, and the important interconnected problems among lifelines are summarized.