Lifelines, crucial for survivors of the 2011 East Japan disaster, remain a top priority according to an NHK survey.
Survivors Emphasize the Importance of Lifelines
The NHK survey underscores the crucial role of lifelines, such as water and electricity, in disaster recovery. Survey respondents, primarily from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures, vividly recalled the hardships following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Among the respondents, 44% identified restoring these essential services as the government’s primary responsibility in any future disaster management strategy.
A man in his 70s from Miyako City shared his challenging experience of coping without electricity for a month and without water for a week, shedding light on the dire circumstances many faced. These personal accounts drive home the necessity of robust disaster recovery systems that ensure basic utilities are promptly restored.
Priorities Shifted by Lessons from the Past
In addition to lifelines, respondents prioritized tsunami evacuation measures, evacuation facilities, quake-resistant infrastructure, and accurate, informative communication. These concerns reflect a comprehensive understanding of disaster preparedness, shaped by their lived experiences. Despite the government’s ongoing efforts, these perspectives demonstrate that more decisive and immediate action is needed, guided by the lessons learned from past disasters.
Kimura Reo, a psychology expert at the University of Hyogo, emphasized the psychological and practical importance of strong infrastructure. The growing concerns about aging public systems, heightened by recent disasters like the Noto Peninsula earthquake of 2024, further reinforce the urgency of addressing these issues. The survey illustrates that people not only desire effective responses to disasters but also expect forward-looking strategies to mitigate risks.
Renewed Focus on Preparedness and Resilience
Disasters leave lasting impacts, echoing in the survivors’ lives years after the events have subsided. The NHK survey vividly captures the sentiments of people who have endured such calamities, urging the government to take rapid action in veteran infrastructure, service restoration, and public awareness. Beyond reactive measures, proactive readiness, reinforced infrastructure, and sustained community engagement are essential to foster resilience against future disasters.
Commentary
The Significance of Lifeline Restoration
The NHK survey captures the deep-seated memories and critical lessons from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake survivors. The emphasis on lifelines, which include water and electricity, resonates strongly. It is a stark reminder that these services are not just utilities but fundamental lifelines, often determining survival during emergencies. Governments must listen and prioritize actionable plans to strengthen their infrastructure and expedite recovery timelines, ensuring that residents can reclaim a sense of normalcy swiftly post-disaster.
Key Lessons for Future Disaster Preparedness
Analyzing the survey results reveals a shift in how disaster preparedness is perceived. While immediate survival measures like tsunami evacuation plans are acknowledged, longer-term issues such as improving infrastructure and maintaining efficient evacuation centers have gained equal importance. This duality emphasizes that surviving a disaster is only half the battle; enduring recovery and rebuilding require equal foresight and planning. Governments and policymakers must leverage this feedback to create plans that integrate these broader scopes of disaster management.
Actionable Insights for Policymakers
We can no longer afford to treat disaster responses as reactive measures. This survey provides a roadmap for a more strategic, inclusive, and effective response strategy. From ensuring quick lifeline restoration to addressing concerns of housing resilience and evacuation management, a holistic approach must be adopted. The fear of infrastructure degradation, particularly in a rapidly aging society like Japan, requires immediate attention and innovative solutions.
