Tokyo -
Sunday, July 26, 2020, 9:15 a.m.: The excitement of the spectators increases as the first medals in swimming are about to be decided and star gymnast Simone Biles warms up to debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Suddenly, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake hits Tokyo Bay, causing immense material damage and casualties, sparking panic in the Japanese megalopolis. Fortunately, it is only a scenario of a natural disaster drill that took place before Christmas.
Japan is in one of the world's most active seismic zones, so the organizers of Tokyo 2020 must prepare for the worst situations, hoping that none of them occur in reality.
"An earthquake has occurred. Stay calm and protect yourself. This facility is safe," is the message broadcast in Japanese and English through the speakers at the Olympic Gymnastics Center after the simulated violent shaking.
"Acting out of panic can be dangerous. Stay calm and follow the instructions of the organizers. Elevators cannot be used," it is added.
A few minutes later, firefighters in blue uniforms and white helmets enter the sports facility.
"Are you okay?" the healthcare staff asks the people lying on the ground, while officials continue to relay messages of reassurance through megaphones. This is how the protocol for such a situation is enacted.
Crisis Cell
A quarter of an hour later, soldiers from the Japan Self-Defense Forces arrive at the scene with .
There, doctors would provide emergency care, while directives and orders continue amidst a tense yet efficient atmosphere. Those with minor injuries would be relocated to another place to continue receiving attention.
The simulation continues with what would happen in this scenario. Dozens of spectators, some injured but able to walk, and people in wheelchairs are evacuated along the long avenues of Tokyo Bay, as the simulation continues with a fictitious replica of a magnitude six earthquake, which disrupts the ongoing emergency operations.
At that moment, in the impressive Tokyo municipal government building, Governor Yuriko Koike holds an emergency meeting with the 40 highest officials from municipal authorities, firefighters, coastguards, and self-defense forces.
Koike closely monitors the situation in front of a dozen screens showing the damage to the Gymnastics Center and the various fires that have broken out in the city of Tokyo.
Counter-terrorism Exercise
"We have numerous national and international visitors for the Tokyo 2020 Games," reminds the governor at the end of the meeting, after giving her instructions.
"Do your best to ensure the safety of the spectators and the Games staff, as well as the residents of Tokyo," she insists.
This simulated action mobilized 500 volunteers in two different locations and is part of the emergency preparedness plan carried out by the organizers of the Japanese Olympic event.
Rugby fans have already witnessed Japan's vulnerability to natural disasters when the powerful Typhoon Hagibis visited the country in October, causing a hundred deaths and the unprecedented cancellation of three World Cup matches being held in the country.
In early January, the traditional New Year's parade of Tokyo firefighters included an anti-terrorism exercise, also within the framework of emergency simulations and drills.
In response to the concerns of foreign spectators about earthquakes in Japan, Japanese authorities insist that there is no other country in the world better prepared to face them.
Japan experiences thousands of seismic tremors each year, with varying degrees of intensity. Most of them do not cause any damage or result in minimal losses.
The greatest risks from an earthquake would be in the event of a major quake in the Tokyo Bay area, a place reclaimed from the ocean and therefore more vulnerable.
The triple disaster of March 11, 2011 in northeastern Japan, with a magnitude 9 quake followed by a tsunami, led to the Fukushima nuclear accident. An example of how preparedness has its limits and the force of nature sometimes surpasses them. (I)