Quake prediction panel to retain name despite 3/11 disaster setback

An earthquake prediction panel is not going to change its name even after its failure to predict the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, it has been learned.

The Coordinating Committee for Earthquake Prediction (CCEP) on Feb. 17 approved a report filed by a working group within the committee, which stated that the CCEP will aim to improve the methods for earthquake prediction through research while retaining the entity's name.

The working group was set up in 2012 out of regret for having failed to forecast the Great East Japan Earthquake. The working panel had been considering reviewing CCEP's roles but concluded that the entity should retain its current organization and function.

In the wake of the March 11, 2011 quake disaster, many pointed to the difficulty of predicting temblors, leading to a move to review the CCEP's name. However, the panel concluded that the removal of "prediction" from the entity's name could give the false message that CCEP has abandoned its efforts for quake prediction.

Established in 1969, the CCEP provides a forum for government organizations and universities engaged in observation and research on earthquake prediction to exchange information.