A Survey on Temporary Shelters for Stranded Victims during Disasters in Commercial/Business Districts

Focus on Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama

Abstract

Considering measures for stranded victims during a massive earthquake is a key disaster prevention process for overcrowded megalopolises. Each temporary shelter for commuters experiencing difficulty returning home must ensure that disaster mitigation measures are provided by the government and private sector throughout the area. This paper aims to report the realities of temporary shelters that can accommodate stranded victims during earthquakes in specific areas. We administered a questionnaire survey and conducted interviews with facility managers and tenant companies in Minato Mirai 21, a commercial and business district in Yokohama. Based on the survey results, we better understood the impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, responses to that disaster, building plans, and disaster control measures for stranded victims in future disasters. We highlight the importance of disaster management utilizing the resources of various stakeholders in the area.