Sendai’s Efforts

Urban Development

Addressing “Build Back Better” in Urban Infrastructure that Supports Everyday Life

Sendai City is implementing disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction measures for a variety of urban utility systems, both in terms of knowledge and know-how, and in terms of equipment and facilities. These projects include restoration of the wastewater treatment facilities that suffered damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake and providing support for improving the earthquake resistance of detached houses and condominiums. In addition, along with making urban utilities resilient, we are promoting programs for energy-saving measures and wider use of renewable energy. From both the aspects of disaster prevention and environment protection, we aim to contribute to advancing the establishment of a sustainable society.

Multiple Defenses to Minimize Tsunami Damage

Sendai City suffered tremendous damage from the tsunami during the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Based on our experiences, we are making efforts to support the recovery of the eastern coastal areas from the tsunami damage and build more resilient communities.
To achieve this goal, we are developing measures to ensure safety and security in case of a “once-in-several hundred-years” tsunami by combining three approaches.
Said approaches involve creating multiple defenses at a number of facilities to prevent tsunami damage, evacuation from a tsunami, and the relocation of residents to safer areas.

Bird’s-eye view map of multiple difenses to minimize tsunami damage

Zero Carbon City

Conventional large, centralized energy systems were shown to be vulnerable during the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Sendai City is actively creating a base for disaster-resistant, energy-efficient decentralized energy sources and introducing renewable energy sources, as well as promoting cutting-edge research and development of next-generation energy sources with low environmental impact.

Human Capacity Building

Tackling Community Disaster Prevention through Self-Help, Mutual Aid, and Public Assistance

Disasters cannot be prevented only by tangible measures such as the construction and improvement of facilities. Individual residents’ preparations for disasters in their daily lives as well as mutual support between members of the community played a important role in reducing damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
“Self-help” by individuals to secure safety for ourselves and our families, “mutual aid” by members of the local communities to support one another, and “public assistance” from the government are integrated in a coordinated way to support disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction.

Disaster Prevention and Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives by Various Stakeholders*

To effectively promote disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction measures, it is necessary for all concerned persons and agencies such as governments, businesses, community-based organizations, and research institutes, to actively work together. We are promoting disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction measures by “stakeholders*” that include all residents from children to the elderly, irrespective of gender or nationality, the presence or absence of disabilities, so that they can live in safety and security.

*“Stakeholders” refer to concerned parties that cover a wide range of individuals and groups such as civil society, local communities, academic organizations, and businesses. The Sendai Framework adopted at the WCDRR, newly indicates the importance of empowering women, youth, and having them take a leading role in disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction.

Sending out Information

Our Experiences and Memories of the Great East Japan Earthquake to the Future and the World

As the number of Sendai residents who have not experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake increases, we need to remember our experiences and the lessons learned from the disaster so that we can prepare ourselves for future disasters. Therefore, we must keep our memories, knowledge, and the grief we felt in a form that can be handed down to future generations. Sendai City aims to pass on memories of the disaster through the establishment of a memorial center and the archiving of videos and photographs in collaboration with residents and community groups. As a city where the Sendai Framework was adapted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, we are committed to passing on our experiences and lessons learned from the disaster, thus contributing to disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction in the world.

Recovery and Reconstruction of Disaster-affected Areas

Provide disaster areas with assistanceby drawing on our experience and lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake

Based on our experience and knowledge from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the City of Sendai offers support for recovery and reconstruction of disaster areas by dispatching our staff members and providing relief supplies. To help affected areas to recover and reviveas soon as possible, we provide necessary support as required. We also share emerging issues and newly obtained knowledge with the parties concerned, and utilize the experience to enhance Sendai’s disaster risk reduction and mitigation.