1923, Preparations for the Disaster
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Dr. Imamura, filled with excitement, began explaining past earthquakes and the mechanisms of earthquakes as understood at the time. However, earthquake research in the early 1920s was still in its infancy. While Alfred Wegener had proposed the theory of continental drift, it was met with widespread skepticism. To the Crown Prince Regent, who had been briefed in detail by Takashiro Soryu about earthquake mechanisms, Imamura's explanations seemed somewhat off the mark.
'No, no, it's just that Takashiro is exceptional. Dr. Imamura's understanding is likely at the forefront of current research.'
With this in mind, the Crown Prince listened intently to Imamura's explanations.
"Dr. Imamura, are you familiar with Wegener's theory of continental drift?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I've read his paper, but it seems rather far-fetched. While the shapes of continents and the distribution of fossils and organisms can be explained by continental drift, the idea that such massive landmasses could move is hard to believe. The academic community remains largely skeptical."
"I see. However, I can't help but feel that the theory of continental drift is largely correct. You're aware that the deeper you dig into the earth, the hotter it gets, right? In coal mines, temperatures can reach 50°C at depths of several hundred meters. Given that the Earth's radius is 6,000 km, the core must be thousands of degrees hot. If that's the case, the Earth's interior isn't solid rock but molten lava. Convection currents caused by temperature differences and the Coriolis effect could create vortices, causing the continents above to move along with these currents."
Imamura was stunned by the Crown Prince's words. Indeed, the idea that the Earth's interior was molten had been proposed by Gutenberg and was gaining acceptance in the academic world. This theory was based on the analysis of seismic waves, which revealed that certain parts of the Earth's interior refract, reflect, or completely block seismic waves, suggesting the presence of molten lava.
The fact that the Crown Prince was not only aware of this but also understood that convection currents could move continents left Imamura in awe.
"If continents are moving, wouldn't they collide in some places, with one sliding under the other? The Japan Trench is likely so deep because one plate is subducting beneath another. The friction from this subduction generates heat, causing volcanic eruptions and forming volcanic island arcs like Japan. Therefore, it's only natural that Japan experiences frequent earthquakes."
Pieces of the puzzle began falling into place in Imamura's mind. It was nothing short of a revelation.
"Dr. Imamura, so you're saying that a large-scale evacuation drill on September 1st would be the best way to prepare for a major earthquake?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Wait, what? September 1st? I didn't specifically say September 1st…"
Imamura was confused. Why September 1st?
"Dr. Imamura, I see. You insist that September 1st is the best date. If you're so adamant, then we have no choice. We'll conduct the evacuation drill on September 1st, as you suggest."
The Crown Prince was fully on board.
"Ah, no, Your Highness, I didn't specifically mean September 1st…"
Imamura was beyond confused.
"Dr. Imamura, the government will handle the preparations for the drill. I'd like you to serve as the executive committee chairman."
And so, thanks to "Dr. Imamura's strong proposal," an evacuation drill was scheduled for September 1st.
Preparations for the Drill
Based on a proposal from Takashiro Soryu, the police, fire department, army, and navy began formulating an evacuation plan.
The army and navy would provide tents, food, and water to evacuees, while the police and military police would prevent rumors and maintain order.
The deployment of the Type 1 Ushi Fire Pump, which had been in development for the past two years, was accelerated. The pump came in two types: a stationary model that drew water from fire reservoirs and a mobile version mounted on agricultural engine carts with 2,000-liter water tanks. Local fire brigades were instructed to conduct pre-drill checks.
The Space Force would remain behind the scenes, allowing the military, police, and fire departments to take the spotlight.
Plans for post-disaster reconstruction were also prepared. Officials from Tokyo City and the Ministry of Home Affairs were initially baffled by the assumption that an earthquake was inevitable, but they took the opportunity to design their ideal city seriously.
The reconstruction plan included earthquake-resistant concrete apartment buildings, modeled after Parisian architecture, with uniform five-story structures. Sea sand and andesite were avoided in the concrete mix to prevent alkali-silica reaction, ensuring durability for over 100 years.
As a centerpiece of the reconstruction, a 36-story, 147-meter-tall central government office building was secretly planned for Kasumigaseki. This would be Japan's first true high-rise building, designed with heavy steel seismic-resistant construction.
The design, of course, had already been prepared by Takashiro Soryu.
In anticipation of the destruction of railways and streetcars, the development of buses for alternative transportation was prioritized. However, the Space Force had only recently completed the development of small engines, making it difficult to produce engines with the displacement needed for buses.
Instead, they created a 36-horsepower unit by connecting three 350cc, 12-horsepower engines in series. A new intake manifold was designed, allowing the three engines to share a single carburetor. This unit was mounted on a steel frame, with a 20-passenger cabin installed on top. Power was transmitted via four long V-belts to the rear axle's differential gear, resembling an enlarged agricultural transport vehicle.
With a top speed of 30 km/h, it was sufficient for temporary transportation.
Additionally, students aged 18 and older in the Space Force Academy's comprehensive course were encouraged to obtain Class A driver's licenses.
(The buses developed by the Space Force would later attract interest from the army as military trucks.)
Preparations for "that day" were steadily progressing.
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A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 41!
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