Version 1
: Received: 29 January 2024 / Approved: 29 January 2024 / Online: 29 January 2024 (14:14:40 CET)
Version 2
: Received: 22 March 2024 / Approved: 22 March 2024 / Online: 22 March 2024 (17:10:44 CET)
Itatani, T.; Kojima, M.; Tanaka, J.; Horiike, R.; Sibata, K.; Sasaki, R. Operational Management and Improvement Strategies of Evacuation Centers during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake—A Case Study of Wajima City. Safety2024, 10, 62.
Itatani, T.; Kojima, M.; Tanaka, J.; Horiike, R.; Sibata, K.; Sasaki, R. Operational Management and Improvement Strategies of Evacuation Centers during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake—A Case Study of Wajima City. Safety 2024, 10, 62.
Itatani, T.; Kojima, M.; Tanaka, J.; Horiike, R.; Sibata, K.; Sasaki, R. Operational Management and Improvement Strategies of Evacuation Centers during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake—A Case Study of Wajima City. Safety2024, 10, 62.
Itatani, T.; Kojima, M.; Tanaka, J.; Horiike, R.; Sibata, K.; Sasaki, R. Operational Management and Improvement Strategies of Evacuation Centers during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake—A Case Study of Wajima City. Safety 2024, 10, 62.
Abstract
On January 1, 2024, a huge earthquake occurred in Noto region, Japan. Many buildings collapsed by the violent shaking. Electricity and water supplies were cut off, and communication was disrupted. Immediately after the earthquake, we visited Noto, and conducted disaster relief activities. This report integrates and discusses the results of site visits, information broadcasts by public institutions, and previous research. Evacuation centers lacked water and proper sanitation, leading to health issues, including infectious diseases. Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) were delayed in implementing infection control measures. Isolated evacuation centers faced communication and supply challenges. Infrastructure restoration, power supply, and toilet facilities at evacuation centers were delayed due to geographical challenges. lack of intervention by medical professionals in evacuation centers were because DMAT was forced to invest manpower in rescue operations. It is important to have a team that can determine and carry out the necessary activities on site, even without instructions from the DMAT. Under these circumstances, it is important for evacuees to operate the evacuation centers autonomously. There are concerns that evacuation centers could pose health risks if people stay in these centers for long periods. We hope that medical professionals intervene as soon as possible.
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
