Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Disaster and Preparation for the Impending Great Nankai Trough Earthquake

Abstract

In the discussion on creating reconstruction plans by central and local governments, it was stressed that providing disaster prevention facilities, relocating communities to safer ground, and preparing evacuation roads and sites should always be combined to save human life when future severe disasters occur. However, disaster prevention facilities alone, such as sea-wards or water-breaks, can't protect areas behind them when natural hazards exceed the assumed level. Therefore, the location of communities or evacuation facilities becomes vital in saving lives, yet man-made properties cannot be protected during severe disasters. Since severe disaster will undoubtedly and repeatedly strike Japan in the future, we have to prepare various types of large-scale natural hazards in addition to reconstructing areas stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The UN will hold an international conference on disaster reduction in Sendai next year for important UN-based discussions. At this time, we should show to the rest of the world our present situation of reconstruction, preparation for future natural hazards, disseminate technologies, and policies for disaster reduction, based on what we learnt from this disaster.