Relationship between Casualty Rates and Seismic Intensity in Recent Japanese Earthquakes (1999-2008)

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between the seismic intensity and the occurrence of casualties are examined using the data from recent earthquakes in Japan from 1999 to 2008. The seismic intensity distribution and the population distribution of each earthquake , and the seismic intensity in area where casualties occurred are estimated. The casualty rates of major causes for deaths and injuries are calculated by using those data. The occurrence of casualties is greatly influenced by the seismic intensity level. As fatality due to shock or stress, the fatality rate at the intensity 6 lower is 0.0008%, and the rate rises to 0.01% at the intensity 6 upper. As serious injury due to slipping or stumbling, the injury rate at the intensity 6 lower is 0.02%, and the rate rises to 0.1% at the intensity 6 upper.