Lessons for Climate Adaptation from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011: A Case study of Flooding at Tokai Village

Abstract

"The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake that struck on 11 March 2011 caused heavy damages to Japan’s infrastructure, revealing technical and social vulnerabilities in spite of years of preparation. An investigation on flooded areas in the aftermath of the earthquake showed lessons for improving resilience to disasters as well as for adapting to threats imposed by climate change. In this case study, carried out by researchers at Ibaraki University, it was found that a localflooding disaster, which could have been prevented, was caused bya number of general factors including 1) a lack of institutionalized proceduresfor local residents to take responsibility for actions following earthquakes, 2) a general lack of local awareness of actions needed to counter potential risks, and 3) a lack of communication channels between stakeholders in government and the public and among the local community. These lessons not only show the necessity of communities in developed and developing countries to establish procedures for reducing disaster risks and adaptation but also fostering social capital in managing shared resources."