Expecting the unexpected: a case study on tsunami mitigation in Fujisawa (Japan)

Abstract

Japan has great knowledge and state-of-the-art systems in place to face tsunami risk. Nevertheless, after the 3/11 Tohoku tsunami disaster, plans have been reviewed nationwide to strengthen tsunami preparedness in the event of a mega-tsunami. This article supports the opinion that despite improvements and progress made in risk assessment, tsunami disaster mitigation planning faces great challenges in securing mass evacuation. Findings of a field interview survey conducted among local residents supplemented by a thorough review of local risk-assessment policies and disaster-management plans suggest that residents do not believe that they are sufficiently prepared to escape a mega-tsunami despite very advanced risk-control systems. The reasons for this are two-fold: first, local autonomy is hampered by top-down prefectural and national interference, and second, realistic response planning for if the protective measures fail has not been sufficiently enforced.

Keywords:

• tsunami
• man-made hazards
• preparedness