Comparative Analysis of Earthquake Emergency Response in China and Japan Based on Timeline: 311 Earthquake vs 512 Earthquake

A devastating M(s)8.0 earthquake hit Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, China, on May 12, 2008. A similarly destructive M(w)9.0 earthquake hit east-coast Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, on March 11, 2011. The governments of both countries took rapid, effective emergency response measures, gaining invaluable experience and learning precious lessons. To compare detailed emergency responses during these earthquakes and share lessons, this paper uses timeline analysis focusing on the levels of the two earthquakes, summarizing key emergency response measures focusing on emergency command center setup and operation, rescue force deployment and dispatch, emergency victim housing and resettlement, and public information reporting and release based on a time sequence. It also comparatively analyzes and sorts their implementation and timing and studies the similarities and differences of the two earthquakes. This paper also analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of emergency response measures taken by both nations, considering the background of emergency management systems to share experiences and provide references on future disaster emergency response work to improve abilities and progress in earthquake response.