Challenges and Potentials for “Supporting Supporters” on Education: A Practical and Rapid Case Study of the Centralized Information Portal Site in the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Abstract

The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which struck on January 1 during Japan’s holiday season, may have led to some delays in response efforts. It is important to acknowledge that many individuals likely responded promptly, and this statement is not intended to criticize the responses of various parties. Another significant challenge was how regions outside the affected area could effectively support those impacted, especially in terms of school education soon after the disaster. This study provides a preliminary report on a school education support project initiated in response to the earthquake. The primary focus is on the centralized information portal site launched on January 3, designed for “supporting supporters.” Additionally, the study covers the rapid response meeting held on January 9 and the report meeting on May 8, both at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. These initiatives aim to address and summarize current challenges and outline future directions for schools in Ishikawa Prefecture and across Japan. We hope that this study will contribute to recovery and reconstruction efforts in Ishikawa Prefecture and enhance resilient school education worldwide.