One year after the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake, residents and officials reflect on the arduous recovery process and the resilience shown by the community.
The earthquake struck on January 1, 2024, causing widespread destruction across Ishikawa Prefecture, with particularly severe impacts felt on the Noto Peninsula. Infrastructure damage was extensive, leading to emergency responses from local authorities and the construction industry. Roadways, including the Noto Satoyama Highway, were rendered impassable, isolading various towns and villages.
According to local reports, as of December 2024, all temporary housing units requested post-disaster had been completed, ensuring shelter for those displaced. Water supply systems have been fully restored, except for areas with significant structural damage, allowing consistent access to clean water for residents. The reopening of National Route 249 was achieved just days before Christmas, facilitating transportation and supply lines.
Local businesses have also begun to rebound. Kazuhira Matsuo, who lost his chestnut farm in Wajima, relocated to Hamamatsu with hopes of revitalizing traditional Japanese chestnut cultivation. Matsuo expressed his desire to leverage his past experience to contribute positively to the community: “I want to utilize my experience to be of help to many people.” Under the 'EAST & WA' project driven by local manufacturers, he has actively participated, mingling cooperation with innovation to rebuild his life and business.
The Noto Peninsula earthquake prompted significant re-evaluation of disaster preparedness and response strategies across Japan. The Central Disaster Management Council has underscored the need for infrastructure fortification and resilient rebuilding methods, echoing sentiments from many officials. Atsushi Sugimoto, director of the Noto Reconstruction Office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), emphasized the importance of collective efforts stating, “Thanks to everyone's efforts and cooperation, we can vigorously tackle the restoration process.” The MLIT has revised technical standards for structures, incorporating lessons learned from the disaster.
Restoration work is progressing, albeit with numerous hurdles. Local construction firms are busy with comprehensive repairs, but supply chain issues, especially concerning concrete and asphalt, impede the pace of recovery. Challenges also include ensuring the safety of workers and efficiently mobilizing resources to address abandoned properties and lands with unidentifiable owners.
The reconstruction effort is complemented by community initiatives aimed at supporting emotional and physical well-being. Traditional handwritten newspapers have emerged, fostering community connections by distributing updates and information directly to households. Initiatives like this help to keep residents engaged and informed, reflecting persistent community commitment.
Despite the efforts, the memories of the earthquake linger heavily on residents’ minds. Discussions concerning collective relocation have ensued, particularly for families living along the coast who fear the threat of future tsunami disasters—a stark reminder of the day the tsunami hit after the quake. Kazuyoshi Tsuji, head of the Mikazuki area, noted, “During the earthquake, we actually experienced the tsunami. The fear remains strong.”
The emotional scars are matched by very real challenges as towns come to terms with their new reality. Neighborhood organizations have formed, focusing on long-term strategies for relocation to safer, elevated ground. Similar sentiments can be found throughout communities like Noto Town, where Kenji Yamamori, the head of the Shiramaru district, voiced hope for future support to establish public housing elsewhere.
Local governments are facing tough decisions as they navigate through complicated recovery scenarios. Those affected by the tsunami are pushing for safer living conditions, sparking conversations about relocating entire neighborhoods away from vulnerable coastal areas. Various factions agree on the need for infrastructure improvements, emphasizing the ideological and practical debates surrounding these initiatives.
The experience of the Noto Peninsula has transcended local borders, with municipalities like Kagoshima now reassessing their own disaster preparedness protocols. There is heightened awareness of the likelihood of similar disasters occurring anywhere across Japan. Communities are reevaluated their readiness to respond and the training involved, prompted by first-hand experiences from Noto.
Looking toward the future, the regional government has focused on building back smarter, with investments allocated toward resilient infrastructure and prevention strategies against future disasters. Aside from immediate repairs, initiatives surrounding emergency preparedness drills are now being standardized along coastal and mountainous regions most vulnerable to disasters.
While challenges remain, the progress made since the earthquake is evident, and local citizens are displaying grit as businesses and communities strive toward recovery. The next few years will be pivotal not only for rebuilding but also for creating safer, more sustainable environments for the residents of the Noto Peninsula.