A Consideration on the Broad-based Management Systems for Refuge Based on the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011. Many people were evacuated to other prefectures because of the damage brought about by the earthquake and the tsunami. A broad-based management system for refuge is very important in times of a disaster. In this study, in order to investigate the nature of a system for refuge in the near future, we examine the current state of the management system, considering the regional characteristics. Niigata prefecture was chosen for this study's case area because it has experienced the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake and the 2007 Chuetsu Offshore Earthquake. Thus, we can study the experiences from Niigata's response to the disaster. Results of this study clearly show that refugees tend to move to the near site from their home town, the town having the large capacity in terms of temporary houses and where there are organizations helping evacuees.