The Coordination System to Receive International Assistance in the Great East Japan Earthquake

-Focusing on the Coordination of Disaster Stricken Municipalities for Receiving International US&R Team-

Abstract

This study focuses on the coordination system to receive international assistance after mega disaster based on the experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on 11 March 2011. First, it summarizes how the coordination system for receiving international assistance after mega disasters was developed in Japan. Then, it reviews how international Urban Search-and-Rescue (US&R) teams were received in the Great East Japan Earthquake, based on interviews with municipalities which received assistance. Then, the study compares the current Japanese coordination system with other countries which had received international assistance in disasters. Finally, based on the analysis the study proposes an effective coordinating system for mega disasters.