Fast response: How Tokyo Olympics will cope if earthquake strikes

It's 9:15 am on Sunday July 26 and excitement is building at the Tokyo Aquatics centre as the first swimming medals are up for grabs.

Nearby at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, US superstar Simone Biles is warming up for her first appearance at the 2020 Olympics.

Without warning a 7.3-magnitude earthquake rips through Tokyo Bay, the ground shakes violently causing citywide damage, widespread panic and multiple casualties.

Fortunately, this is just an imagined scenario at a disaster drill carried out just before Christmas, as Tokyo 2020 organisers prepare for the worst, while hoping they will never have to do it for real.

At the gymnastics venue in Tokyo Bay the public address springs into action in Japanese and English.

"There has been an earthquake. Please stay calm and protect yourself. This venue is safe," the advice crackles.

"Taking action in a panic may lead to danger. Please stay calm and follow the staff's instructions. The elevators may not be used."
- Emergency first aid -
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- Typhoons and terror -
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