The Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake (The great Hanshin earthquake) of 17 January 1995

This report describes the observations and preliminary assessments of the members of the Reconnaissance Team of the New Zealand National Society for Earthquake Engineering which visited Kobe, Japan and the surrounding areas following the Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake of 17 January 1995. The report covers aspects of the effects of the earthquake on the ground, lifelines, buildings, bridges and other structures, and the community. Lessons for New Zealand are discussed.