Research on the Causes of Isolation in Coastal Settlements during Disasters

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors causing isolation during disasters by conducting questionnaires, interviews, and field surveys in the Noto Peninsula. As a result, many villages were found to be at risk of landslides, tsunamis, and flooding. Thirteen factors, such as having fewer than one national or prefectural road and being surrounded by mountains, were identified with a conformity rate of 50% or more. Additionally, 73 villages in the Nankai Trough Earthquake Tsunami Evacuation Zone shared similar isolation factors. Since large-scale infrastructure development like building railways and highways poses financial challenges for the government, it is considered more practical to begin by improving infrastructure within the villages. Enhancing local roads and essential facilities is expected to effectively reduce the risk and impact of isolation during future disasters, especially in remote or vulnerable communities.