[P09] In-depth community response to tsunami infrastructure, Disaster Risk Reduction measures and future sea-level rise in Kesennuma, Miyagi, Japan.
| Affiliation | Tohoku University |
|---|---|
| Author | Leggett Hayley |
| Co-Author | Miwako Kitamura（IRIDeS, Tohoku University） Anawat Suppasri（IRIDeS, Tohoku University） Fumihiko Imamura（IRIDeS, Tohoku University） Tiziana Rossetto（UCL） |
Keywords
- Community resilience
- DRR
- Tsunami infrastructure
Outline
Japan’s tsunami mitigation strategy employs a multi-layered approach. Physical mitigation measures consist of concrete seawalls and sea gates designed and enforced by prefectural governments, often without community consultation, leading to opposition. Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) structures were installed without considering increased tsunami heights due to sea-level rise. Non-physical measures minimise the shortcomings of tsunami infrastructure, but residents receive inadequate or incorrect information on disaster risk reduction (DRR), leaving them vulnerable. Using surveys, interviews and focus groups we identify the sentiments, information gaps, requirements and preference's related to tsunami mitigation infrastructure, DRR measures and hazard awareness in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. Our results reveal a lack of awareness on the impact of climate change on future hazards, insufficient personal evacuation plans and an incognisance towards physical tsunami mitigation within the city highlighting the need for greater methods of communication to city government officials, residents and community members within the city.
