Evacuation behavior in Toyama Prefecture following the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake based on YOLO

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of evacuation behavior analysis by integrating roadside camera images with object detection. YOLO was applied to images captured by roadside cameras installed in Toyama Prefecture to analyze traffic volume before and after the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. The results revealed a significant increase in traffic volume from coastal areas to inland regions, as well as behaviors suggesting evacuations to higher ground and emergency supply purchases. The spatiotemporal patterns of traffic volume changes across Toyama Prefecture were successfully captured. Image-based analysis using YOLO is simple and provides a more intuitive understanding than numerical data, making it accessible to the general public. This approach has the potential to enhance disaster awareness among local residents.