A Study on Lessons Learned from Human Resources in Housing Damage Assessment Operations: A Case Study of Himi City, Toyama Prefecture in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake of 2024

Abstract

The housing damage assessment operation in Himi City, Toyama Prefecture—affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake—is recognized as an advanced case of collaboration among local officials, the prefectural government, and experienced engineers. This study used disaster ethnography with five key personnel. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using quantitative text analysis and SCAT, a qualitative data analysis method. Comparison of the analytical results identified five key points of tacit knowledge: the need for a cross-departmental structure to support assessments and certificate issuance; the substantial burden on municipalities receiving counterpart support; the importance of developing operational procedures and improving residents’ understanding; the potential for effective collaboration; and the need to establish a unified institutional framework for the post-support phase. These findings contribute to practical knowledge frameworks for future disaster response.