In an opinion piece in Technology Review, Professor Eduardo Kausel writes about the engineering and planning aspects of rebuilding that will be required in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan March 11. “Given the huge and tragic loss of life that has resulted, no compassionate human being could possibly wish last week’s devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami on any country. But if it had to happen – and it is an inescapable geological fact that earthquakes do have to happen – there are many worse places it could have happened. In a very real sense, Japan was prepared for it and, unlike so many parts of the world hit by devastating earthquakes, it is well-placed to embark on the massive rebuilding exercise that will now ensue.” Read the opinion piece.