Kobe City Employee Advocates for Disaster Preparedness Following Noto Experience
Masayuki Fujisawa, a Kobe municipal employee, dedicates his experience from his year in Suzu, Ishikawa, post-Noto Earthquake to enhance disaster preparedness in Kobe. Having witnessed severe destruction and experienced the realities of recovery, he emphasizes the importance of readiness, voicing a desire to convey the urgency of these situations to his hometown as he transitions back to his public relations role.
On January 3, 2025, a dedicated municipal employee from Kobe has committed to sharing the lessons learned from his year-long experience in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered severe devastation from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake one year prior. Masayuki Fujisawa, who currently works with Suzu City Hall, reflected on the challenges faced in the disaster area and aims to raise awareness about preparedness for such calamities in his hometown of Kobe. Having grown up amidst stories of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, he understands the importance of readiness in facing natural disasters.
Fujisawa, who turned 30 recently, expressed profound gratitude for the stability of life in Kobe while confronting the realities of disaster recovery in Noto. As he updated the public on support programs for victims and worked on local media projects, he engaged with earthquake survivors and experienced firsthand the urgency he seeks to now instill in his community. Having witnessed the damaging power of earthquakes and tsunamis, he underscores the necessity of preparedness, stating that although people recognize its significance, many lack a tangible understanding of how to prepare for such events.
As of December 2, 2024, there were 566 support workers from across Japan stationed in disaster-stricken areas, with a substantial number working in Suzu. This influx of long-term support staff is vital in aiding local governments to recover and rebuild, as many of their regular employees are also affected by the disasters. Fujisawa remains steadfast in his mission to apply the experiences gathered in Noto to invigorate disaster preparedness efforts back home in Kobe.
The Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which struck on New Year’s Day in 2024, caused substantial damage, including the destruction of about 3,800 homes and structures. This natural calamity prompted municipalities across Japan to send support workers to assist in the recovery efforts. The situation reflects not only the devastation caused by the earthquake but also the profound impact it has on support networks and community resilience, particularly in historic earthquake-prone regions such as Kobe. The ongoing necessity for preparedness awareness has become increasingly evident, given the repeated instances of natural disasters and their harsh consequences.
Masayuki Fujisawa’s commitment to amplify awareness of disaster preparedness through his experiences in Noto illustrates the vital need for community engagement in disaster readiness. His firsthand experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters and the unyielding human spirit in the face of adversity. The continued flow of support workers to devastated areas highlights the collective effort required for recovery, emphasizing that preparedness is essential for minimizing future impacts of such catastrophes.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
