More than a decade after one of the worst natural disasters of our time occurred, people in Japan continue to live under the threat of another such disaster in their country.
A recent study suggests that the memory of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake is still fresh in the minds of people in this country.A recent survey conducted by the Japanese Red Cross Society indicated that more than 80% of respondents believe that a disaster of this kind, which occurred in 2011, could happen again in the near future. On the other hand, nearly 70% of these participants admitted that they had not done enough to prepare for this type of disaster.
The disaster that changed Japan
On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale occurred off the northeastern coast of Japan. This earthquake caused a huge tsunami that caused massive destruction in coastal cities in the Tohoku region of Japan. This natural disaster caused widespread devastation in Japan’s Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures. It caused the death or loss of nearly 20,000 people, and forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes.
Tsunami waves peaked in some parts of Japan, destroying cities and infrastructure. This natural disaster also caused a nuclear accident at Fukushima Dai-ichi, which has become a major environmental and social challenge for Japan.UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission states that the 2011 disaster has become one of the most important reminders in modern history that communities along coastlines are vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis.
This natural disaster has forced governments and organizations around the world to improve the effectiveness of tsunami warning, disaster awareness, and preparedness systems.
The survey reveals widespread concern about future disasters
In the run-up to the 15th anniversary of the 2011 disaster, the Japanese Red Cross Society conducted a national survey to determine how people today view disaster risk.Results of an online survey of 1,200 people aged 10 or older from Japan found that 80.3% of people believe that a serious disaster like the Great East Japan Earthquake will happen again in the near future.The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of the Earth’s surface prone to earthquakes.Earthquakes are common in Japan. Scientists have been saying for years that a serious earthquake is possible.
The preparedness gap remains a major concern
Despite the high level of awareness of the risks of disasters striking the country, the survey found that a large number of people are not prepared to face the disaster. Nearly 70 percent of survey respondents said they had not taken adequate measures to prepare for a large-scale disaster.
These measures may include preparing supplies needed during an emergency or acquiring skills needed to respond to a disaster.
“This is not a problem unique to Japan. Experts pointed out that people usually underestimate the speed with which a disaster can strike or believe that they will have time to respond when needed. However, earthquakes and tsunamis can occur without warning.
Why is remembering past disasters important?
Another important conclusion that can be drawn from the survey is the need to remember the disasters of the past.
The survey revealed that more than 80% of people believe that lessons learned from the 2011 earthquake should not be forgotten while discussing disaster preparedness. At this point public awareness campaigns and memorial services become relevant.The younger generation may not be aware of the events that occurred in 2011. They need to be aware of the events that occurred in 2011 so that they can prepare for a disaster that may occur in the future.
Japan has invested a lot in disaster education. There are drills and measures in place to minimize the effects of earthquakes.
Living with the reality of natural disasters
Japan’s earthquake and tsunami experience has created a culture that prides itself on resilience and preparedness. However, such surveys reveal that such a state can only be achieved through sustained efforts.Natural disasters are difficult to predict. However, the effects can be mitigated by planning and awareness.It has been fifteen years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Memories of that day are a poignant reminder of the strength and frailty of the people who lived that day.The message to many people in Japan is that the next disaster to hit Japan may not be preventable. However, being prepared can make a big difference.
