Japan is home to over 400 inhabited islands, all of which are exposed to the devastating risks posed by natural disasters. The catastrophic earthquake of 2011, which struck northeastern Japan, teaches the nation important lessons about self-reliance, especially for those living on distant islands. The unique challenge of delivering emergency supplies to isolated communities became evident after the event, prompting both national and local authorities to bolster disaster preparedness initiatives.
The Urato Islands, located in Matsushima Bay, exemplify resilience and cooperation among island residents during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Faced with limited government assistance, the inhabitants took charge, minimizing casualties through self-sufficiency. Although half of the houses on the islands were destroyed, the death toll was remarkably low, with only three people losing their lives out of approximately 600 residents.
An estimated tsunami measuring 8.5 meters struck Katsurashima, the most populated of the Urato Islands. Elderly residents who were hesitant to evacuate required extra encouragement from firefighters and rescuers. With outside support proving difficult to secure, islanders set up emergency shelters independently, accommodating around 240 people at their peak.
Community spirit drove efforts to share resources as families collected food from their homes to alleviate shortages, and makeshift toilets were constructed to meet sanitation needs. Group initiatives saw ten-person teams providing around-the-clock security, operating heavy machinery to clear debris from roads, and coordinating the shipment of medicinal supplies from Honshu, Japan's main island.
Experts caution against complacency, emphasizing the significance of planning and discussing disaster preparedness before tragedies strike. The lessons learned from the 1993 earthquake, which unleashed a 30-meter tsunami on Okushiri Island within minutes, are particularly poignant. The ill-timed tsunami warning resulted in the loss of 198 lives, along with devastation to the region.
Reflecting on his experiences from the past, Akira Mitsushima, a senior official from the Okushiri town office, recounted, "The delivery of food and water was delayed because roads and the seaport sustained substantial damage. Search and rescue operations were impeded by the lack of heavy equipment on the island." This catastrophe exemplified the vulnerabilities of remote communities during disasters.
Recently, government officials from Mie Prefecture visited Okushiri Island to glean insights on disaster preparedness. This visit focuses on regions vulnerable to seismic activity, particularly those near the dangerous Nankai Trough, where sea tectonic plates converge. Kamishima Island, another remote island, is projected to face tsunami waves of up to 27 meters should another quake occur.
With no seawalls to protect Kamishima and its population of just 270, the municipality is taking proactive steps to mitigate disaster risks. Although city officials do not reside on the island, they are coordinating storage of food and installation of portable toilets to bolster disaster readiness. A spokesperson from Toba remarked, "We want islanders to have a strong sense of disaster awareness." This acknowledgment of their own vulnerabilities is part of the broader plan for disaster education across Japan.
The Japanese government is actively working to improve resilience against future quakes and tsunamis. On the 14th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which will be marked on March 11, 2025, the focus has shifted to learning from past mistakes. There are plans for establishing a new disaster management agency equipped to tackle the lessons learned from the 2011 disaster.
An expert panel is set to discuss how to effectively provide disaster preparedness education, with improved evacuation drills and educational resources becoming key focal points. Akazawa Ryosei, the minister responsible for establishing the disaster management agency, underscored the importance of preparedness saying, "Preparedness education is important for people to take appropriate action to protect their lives." This initiative aims to empower residents, ensuring they understand the steps necessary for their safety before disaster strikes.
These efforts will also examine how hazard maps can be utilized to educate communities on potential risks, enhancing their awareness and response strategies during emergencies. By promoting community engagement and collaboration, authorities hope to create effective paths forward for disaster resilience.
Japan's history of earthquakes and tsunamis serves as both a reminder and a rallying call for proactive measures to safeguard lives. The experience of the Urato Islands, the lessons drawn from Okushiri Island, and the establishment of targeted education strategies all reinforce the message: preparedness is key to turning the tide against the next calamity.