Water, Water Everywhere, and Every Drop to Drink

by Willhemina Wahlin

The 17th January this year marked the 11th year since the Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated Kobe.

In the midst of such a disaster freshwater is crucial. Burst water mains, spewing out onto the streets, become floods awaiting waterborne disease. A logistical nightmare unravels, as those in the wake of the disaster wait for supplies of freshdrinking water. Doctors treating the injured rely on clean water, but often that depends on whether the water system has made it through unscathed. Usually it hasn't.

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Pic: DHD Multimedia picture Gallery

This article was originally published via the Japan Inc. JIN Newsletter on February 15 2006.
http://www.japaninc.com/ http://www.japan.com/

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