According to a worst-case scenario, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake occurring in Tokyo's town center would claim 11 000 lives, wound 43 000 people, leave 2.4 to 3.3 million persons homeless and cause about 1 060 billion USD worth in damages. With 35 million dwellers, Tokyo megalopolis houses 25% of the country's total population. This high density of inhabitants and activities will only worsen the financial impact of the risk.
Since the 1970s, Japan, which suffered several earthquakes, has developed efficient systems for seismic activities' measuring, for prevention and management of natural catastrophes.
The reinsurer Munich Re has stated that Tokyo tops the world list of risky urban areas in terms of human and material losses accounted for by natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruption, land slide) or by terrorist attacks.
