Even though the damage from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami is only beginning to be cleaned up, people should take time to prepare for future disasters. It is unknown when another large quake will hit Japan, but the continued aftershocks are insistent reminders to get ready in sensible and reasonable ways for that possibility.
Scientific research and specialist opinion is inconclusive. Earthquakes can release pressure on fault lines, reducing the chances of a quake in one region, but can also shift pressure to other tectonic plates, thus increasing seismic activity elsewhere.
Though most scientists agree that another quake of the same magnitude is unlikely, even a smaller quake close to Tokyo's nearly 40 million people could have devastating effects.