Damage to lifeline systems in the city of Sendai caused by the 1978 Miyagiken-Oki earthquake

Abstract

The city of Sendai with a population of 617,000 was struck by a destructive earthquake of magnitude 7.4 at 17:14 (JST) on June 12, 1978. One of the particular features of this 1978 Miyagiken-Oki earthquake was the damage sustained by various lifeline utility systems. This paper describes the damage to electric power, water supply, sewerage and city gas systems in Sendai, and the processes of their restorations.