On January 3, 2025, Kobe City employee Masayuki Fujisawa reiterated the importance of disaster preparedness, drawing from his year-long experience in Suzu following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. He aims to inform Kobe residents, stressing the need for concrete preparedness measures. Fujisawa highlighted the role of support workers in recovery, as 566 such dispatch employees are currently aiding affected municipalities.
On January 3, 2025, a Kobe City employee who was dispatched to Suzu, Ishikawa, following the devastation of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, expressed his commitment to apply his experiences in disaster preparedness back in Kobe. Masayuki Fujisawa, who has spent a year supporting the recovery efforts in the region, highlighted the importance of proactive disaster management, echoing lessons learned from the Great Hanshin Earthquake. Working in public relations for Suzu City, he has endeavored to communicate the realities of disaster through various outreach efforts and stressed the need for residents to visualize disaster preparedness more concretely.
Fujisawa, who recalls the narratives of destruction and displacement from the 1995 earthquake, emphasized that practical preparedness remains elusive for many, stating, “Even though people know that preparedness is important, few are able to get ready with a concrete image in mind. I want to earnestly convey how frightening these disasters are.” His efforts in Suzu include managing public relations to inform residents about support services and participating in local media initiatives to raise awareness.
The urgency of disaster preparedness is further underscored by the need for sustained support staff within disaster-stricken areas. As of December 2, 2024, a total of 566 mid- to long-term dispatch workers from across Japan were actively assisting in recovery efforts, with Suzu receiving the highest number of support workers nationwide. These personnel play a critical role in facilitating recovery while also overcoming the challenges posed by their own experiences as disaster survivors.
The article discusses the experiences of Masayuki Fujisawa, a Kobe municipal employee sent to assist in recovery efforts after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which occurred a year prior. Fujisawa, who bears personal recollections of the impact of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, serves as a reminder of the necessity for disaster preparedness in urban environments. His recent work in Suzu emphasizes the immediate need for effective communication strategies to promote awareness and preparedness among citizens regarding potential disasters.
In conclusion, Masayuki Fujisawa’s experiences in Noto serve as a compelling case for the importance of disaster preparedness and communication. His commitment to utilizing his experiences to inform and prepare the residents of Kobe underscores a proactive approach to disaster management. As communities continue to face potential threats from natural disasters, initiatives that promote preparedness must become a priority to ensure public safety and resilience.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
