Citizen and Government Collaboration in Addressing Natural Disasters in Japan

Natural hazards are indeed inevitable, even during this time of pandemic. A massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake has jolted the northeastern coast of Japan, leaving 150 injured people last February 13, 2021. It’s considered an aftershock of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake because it happened just weeks before its 10th anniversary.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake caused widespread blackouts, affecting 950,000 households, and displaced around 240 people in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures from their homes. The Japanese Intensity Scale logged it as “Upper 6” in some parts of Fukushima, which peaks at 7.

Nearby regions have lower intensities than 6, as the strength of an earthquake is perceived higher in the area where the epicenter is located.

Despite the aftershocks, the government has issued its initial responses following the quake by dispatching staff to gather information about the scope of the damage and facilitate rehabilitation and recovery efforts in the affected areas. This shows that the country’s coping capacities contribute significantly to helping affected municipalities regain their pre-event status promptly.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter of the earthquake was off the coast of Fukushima prefecture at a depth of 36 miles. Even though the agency did not issue a tsunami warning, people in the area are still advised to evacuate to a higher place for their own safety. They are exposed to multiple hazards, including active faults and the possibility of a tsunami that may strike. Despite being listed in the World Risk Index 2020 as one of the 10 most exposed countries to disasters, Japan reported zero fatalities in this recent quake. This proves that even areas highly exposed to various hazards can reduce their vulnerability with sufficient measures, such as modifying buildings, structures, and increasing awareness among people.

Japan is undeniably well-equipped to cope with natural hazards. Technological innovations, particularly in base vibration technology, continue to advance to ensure high-rise buildings and structures such as train stations are earthquake-proof. In recent years, the country has also strengthened its dissemination of information in multiple languages since people cannot take actions during a disaster without access to credible news and information. Japan has also taken preventative measures in training its citizens, starting from kindergarten age, in survival drills. The collaborative efforts, discipline, and awareness of citizens, combined with government cooperation, play a great role in maintaining the country’s resilience.

Taking everything into account, Japan has proven that despite being a hazard-prone country, building capacities and reducing vulnerability is not impossible if the government and its citizens share the same goal of risk reduction and work collaboratively to achieve it. No matter what natural hazards or disasters they may encounter, as long as the nation unites, they will always have the ability to bounce back from adversity.

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