Method for "Timeline Mediation" in Pre-disaster Recovery Planning

Abstract

The authors, along with local governments and companies, are engaged in pre-disaster recovery planning for the Nankai megathrust earthquakes in Aichi prefecture, Japan. Although it has been established that efforts should be concentrated on search and rescue activities within 72 hours of a large-scale disaster, there is no consensus on "postdisaster timelines" or the steps to be taken after 72 hours have passed. This irresolution leads to conflicts regarding the prioritization of diverse social activities during the recovery process. We developed a new method that can help manage these conflicts (i.e., "timeline mediation") based on a workshop method called "crossroad," which helps people recognize differences in their viewpoints on various dilemmas following a disaster. Our method, named "timelines," contributes to improving pre-disaster planning.