CAUSE OF LOSSES

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3308, 31 March 1926, Page 7

CAUSE OF LOSSES

EARTHQUAKES AND FIRES. The losses cine to the great earthquake of September 1, 1923, in which all of Yokohama and one half of Tokio were destroyed, are seldom viewed in their true perspective, says “Engineering.” The point overlooked is that 75 per cent, of the loss of property was due to fire. This is not strange considering the construction of Japanese dwellings—heavy roofs and light framework, the worst possible form to withstand an earthquake. “Houses are so fragile that if a motor-car collides with one it kilts the occupants.” (Of the house, not of the car.) Professor Omorl had often advised the citizens of Tokio to improve the condition of the water pipes. The Ran Francisco earthquake of April 1-8, 1906, was in many ways a parallel to that of Tokio. The destruction wrought was almost wholly due to fire. The water mains were completely wrecked by earthquake shock, and the fire burned unchecked for three days, destroying an area of over four square miles.. A report by the National .Board of Fire Underwriters, issued less • than a year before the earthquake, after enumrat ng several fire hazards' of San Franc ’Co, says: "In fact, San Francisco has violated all underwriting traditions In not burning up.” San Francisco was 90 per cent, timber construction, frame buildings of four and five storeys were common. The number of fireproof buildings in the city was about fifty.