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Witness History

Thirty years on from the Kobe earthquake

Jan 15, 2025
Kiho Park, a survivor of the 1995 Kobe earthquake, shares his gripping story of escaping destruction at just eight years old. He recalls the sheer chaos and fear that engulfed his family during the disaster. Kiho discusses the unexpected role of the Yakuza in helping survivors amid governmental shortcomings, showcasing the resilience of the community. He also reflects on the lasting trauma and how those experiences shape preparedness for future disasters. The conversation sheds light on both personal and collective healing in the aftermath of tragedy.
10:13

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Quick takeaways

  • The Kobe earthquake of 1995 led to over 6,000 deaths and left hundreds of thousands homeless, highlighting the catastrophic impact of natural disasters.
  • Kiho Park's personal account reveals the chaos and fear experienced by survivors, as well as the unexpected response from local organizations like the Yakuza.

Deep dives

The Impact of the Kobe Earthquake

The Kobe earthquake, which struck on January 17, 1995, was one of Japan's worst natural disasters, measuring a magnitude of 7.2 and lasting approximately 20 seconds. It resulted in over 6,000 fatalities and widespread destruction in densely populated areas, particularly in Kobe. Entire neighborhoods were devastated, with many tall buildings collapsing and significant fires igniting immediately after the tremor. The earthquake not only caused devastating losses but also left around 300,000 people homeless and disrupted vital infrastructure in the region.

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