The overwhelming response of Japanese engineering to the challenge posed by an earthquake larger than any in the last century was to function exactly as designed. Millions of people are alive right now because the system worked and the system worked and the system worked.
That this happened was, I say with no hint of exaggeration, one of the triumphs of human civilization. Every engineer in this country should be walking a little taller this week. We can’t say that too loudly, because it would be inappropriate with folks still missing and many families in mourning, but it doesn’t make it any less true.
Terrific article, there are so many parts of it I want to quote. Beautifully written and enormously informative. Read the whole thing and learn about Japanese geography, disaster preparedness, what to do if you feel inspired to help, and much more.