Many disaster information systems have been developed for the purpose of collecting information during a disaster. However, it is difficult to integrate the information because these systems were individually developed by different institutions. Conventionally, information from these different organizations has been integrated and managed by the Information Support Team (ISUT). However, in a large-scale disaster, ISUT cannot collect and organize all the information. In this paper, we focus on “interoperation-method” as one of the methods to solve this problem. In response to the typhoon of East Japan Typhoon (Typhoon No. 19, Hingis) in 2019, Aomori Prefecture’s counterpart support team utilized the disaster information connected by “interoperation-method” to grasp the damage information, and to share with other organizations. This has confirmed that “interoperation-method” can function for counterpart support.

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In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey in Yata district, Mabi town, where it suffered a great flood damage particularly in Okayama Prefecture by heavy rainfall disaster in western Japan in July 2018. By the sudden rise of the water level at night, it is difficult to judge in evacuation, and non-evacuees were delayed or made mistakes though the evacuation rate was high. In addition, hazard maps and disaster prevention activities were not linked to actual evacuation behavior. One of the factors that caused a large number of casualties in spite of the estimated flood area was the low evacuation rate of the elderly in their 80s and over, especially in those have 1-2 family members. Elderly people had difficulty evacuating in physical problems and mental ones, therefore, the evacuation rate was low. To prevent the spread of damage, it is important to establish a support system for evacuation of the elderly by strengthening connections within the area.

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In August 2019, heavy rainfall was recorded primarily in the Northern Kyushu region. Consequently, several reservoirs in Fukuoka and Saga prefectures were damaged. In particular, the embankment of the Nishibun Reservoir in Ogi city was broken. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the failure mechanism of this reservoir in Ogi city. For this purpose, the presence of overflows was inferred using a rational formula, and the stability of the embankment slope of the reservoir was evaluated, considering heavy rainfall. Seepage flow was analyzed using Finite element modelling, through non-steady saturated–unsaturated seepage flow analyses. Furthermore, stability analyses of the slope downstream of the embankment were conducted using modified fellenius method. As a result, sliding failure of the slope toe at the downstream side, caused by the increase in seepage due to rainfall, was inferred to be the primary factor influencing the failure of the embankment. Moreover, this sliding failure of the slope wasinferred to have extended toward the upstream side due to the instability of the embankment.

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For most major ports in Japan, a business continuity plan (Port-BCP) has been developed to cope with potential functional disorder in port operations caused by natural disasters. The objectives of a Port-BCP are to maintain the minimum vital activities, such as transportation of emergency supplies, and to enable resumption of normal operations within a reasonable period. Existing Port-BCP plans, however, focus only on earthquake and/or tsunami disasters and do not consider volcanic events. This study assessed the impact of predicted pumice fall on Kagoshima Port (Japan) following a supposed large-scale eruption by the adjacent Sakurajima volcano. Numerical simulations were conducted with varying conditions of wind velocity and direction to estimate the volume and mass of pumice deposited in Kagoshima Bay. Based on the results, estimations were performed regarding the work period required to remove the deposited pumice from the navigation areas.

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Recently, Japan has been experiencing a rash of natural disaster and it is well known that public-aid that can be provided by the governments has limitations under a big disaster. Then, the need for preparedness for natural disaster by self-help and mutual help is recognized andit is tried to make social capital to enhance the disaster response capacity. This study aims to empirically analyze whether social capital enhance the disaster response capacity. We surveyed social capital and preparedness of natural disaster in Mashiki-town, Kumamoto, Japan. It is made clear that the area with enhanced disaster response capacity is enriched with social capital but the area with enriched social capital does not always possess enhanced disaster response capacity.

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This paper provides the results of the survey that we conducted in Seiyo City (Ehime Prefecture) which suffered serious damage by disasters caused by the Heavy Rain Event of July 2018. In Nomura district located in Seiyo city which were inundated by flood waters, many residents evacuated from their houses. We had an interview with the Volunteer Fire　Corps and conducted a questionnaire survey to clarify the actual situation of the evacuation. In addition, we have clarified evacuation decision making of the people who experienced thedisaster. As a result, first, it was very important that call for an immediate evacuation from the Volunteer Fire Corps. However, some people didn’t take evacuation behavior even when they heard the call. Second, the norm has strong influence on behavior intentions of evacuation of people who experienced the disaster.

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This paper examines the restoration events following damage from the Kumamoto earthquake led by the local civil agency in Toyono-cho, Uki-city, with a population of less than 5,000. A collaborative network was identified through analyzing public consciousness and interactions between local people, internal and external volunteers who were involved　throughout the process. By incorporating religious culture, as well as entertainment into promotion of these events, this approach proved useful for helping victims stay connected　with the recovery process. In this way, the restoration events had the power to reunite and rekindle the spirit of the local　community, while raising awareness of disaster prevention. The effectiveness of these collaborative networks in　the absence of planned events for enhancing disaster prevention was also highlighted.

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