The Great Hanshin Earthquake, also known as the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, struck on January 17, 1995, in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. It registered a magnitude of 6.9 and caused extensive damage in the city of Kobe and surrounding areas. The earthquake resulted in over 6,000 fatalities and left hundreds of thousands homeless. In addition to the loss of life, the earthquake caused significant economic damage, estimated at around $100 billion. The disaster highlighted the need for improved earthquake preparedness and response measures in Japan, leading to advancements in building codes and emergency management practices.