The 阪神淡路大震災 (Hanshin Awaji Earthquake) struck on January 17, 1995, in the southern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It registered a magnitude of 7.2 and caused widespread destruction, particularly in the city of Kobe. The earthquake resulted in over 6,400 fatalities and left thousands injured, making it one of Japan's deadliest natural disasters. In addition to the loss of life, the earthquake caused significant damage to infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and bridges. The disaster prompted a major response from the Japanese government and various organizations, leading to improvements in disaster preparedness and response measures across the country.