A Kobe city employee, Masayuki Fujisawa, has dedicated his experience from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake to raising awareness about disaster preparedness in Kobe. Having witnessed extensive destruction in Suzu City, Fujisawa aims to convey the urgency of readiness to his community. His role involved public relations efforts and direct support for earthquake victims, showcasing the importance of learning from past disasters to better prepare for future ones.
In the wake of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that devastated the region one year ago, a dedicated municipal employee from Kobe has committed to translating his firsthand experiences into vital awareness for disaster preparedness in his hometown. Masayuki Fujisawa, who was assigned to Suzu City to serve as a support worker, has been deeply affected by the aftermath of the earthquake and aims to emphasize the critical need for readiness against natural disasters. Drawing from his observations of the destruction, he understands the urgency of proactive measures that communities must embrace to mitigate disaster impacts.
Fujisawa, whose family was largely spared from the destruction of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, shared the invaluable lessons he has garnered from working in one of the severely affected areas. Throughout his year-long assignment, he witnessed the staggering effects of the Noto Earthquake, which resulted in extensive structural damages and losses, including 3,800 homes. These experiences have instilled in him a profound appreciation for the normalcy of life in Kobe, underscored by the memories of his parents recounting the traumatic events of their own earthquake experiences.
While engaged in public relations tasks in Suzu City—updating the website and assisting with local media programming—Fujisawa actively interacted with residents in temporary housing units, delivering newsletters to support earthquake victims. Recognizing the pressing need for clarity in disaster preparedness, he expressed, “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.”
The need for support workers, such as Fujisawa, has been underscored by the ongoing challenges faced by municipalities recovering from disaster-related destruction. As of December, there were 566 dispatched workers from across Japan assisting in recovery efforts, with Suzu City receiving the highest concentration of support staff. This large-scale collaboration is crucial in rebuilding affected communities and fostering resilience in the face of future calamities.
The Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which struck the region in January 2024, caused significant devastation affecting thousands of homes and livelihoods. With the memories of past earthquakes, especially the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, still fresh in the minds of residents, the urgency for disaster preparedness has become paramount. Masayuki Fujisawa’s experiences, as both a survivor and now a support worker, highlight the importance of learning from past disasters to inspire better preparedness strategies. The involvement of local and national support workers illustrates a collaborative approach to recovery, emphasizing the shared responsibility in rebuilding communities after such catastrophic events.
In conclusion, Masayuki Fujisawa’s commitment to raising awareness of disaster preparedness following his experience in the Noto Peninsula is a testament to the resilience and strength of individuals facing adversity. His efforts to apply the lessons learned from the region’s devastation to his public relations work in Kobe exemplify how personal experiences can lead to broader societal improvement. As disaster recovery requires teamwork and ongoing support from various sectors, Fujisawa’s journey emphasizes the need for communities everywhere to prioritize preparedness and resilience against future disasters.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
