# Great Hanshin earthquake (1995)

URL: https://history-japan.com/timeline/1995-great-hanshin-earthquake
Location: Japan
Categories: main-event

The earthquake of 17 January devastated Kobe and surrounding areas. Collapsed buildings, fires and damaged transport systems exposed weaknesses in preparedness and response. Recovery stimulated civic volunteering and changes in disaster policy.

Ruler at the time: [Murayama Tomiichi](https://history-japan.com/rulers/murayama-tomiichi)

## Sources
- [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Hanshin_earthquake)