Measures for Stranded Commuters with Cooperation from Businesses

Human Capacity Building

Drill for responding to stranded commuters

At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, public transportation was suspended and more than 10,000 people including tourists, were left stranded. Confusion resulted from the stranded people who rushed to nearby evacuation centers, making it impossible for local residents to get into their own designated centers.
In light of this experience, we collaborated with related agencies and organizations to secure temporary stay places for accomodating up to around 14,000 possible stranded people in the event of a major disaster, by utilizing train stations, hotels, commercial facilities and university campuses. In addition, countermeasures are examined and drills are carried out.
A ‘liason council’ was established by concerned parties located around JR Sendai Station. In May 2014, they drew up the guidelines for responding to stranded people. They include stopping commuters from going home all at once and specifying the measures that people must take, and roles and responsibilities at times of disaster, as well as holding disaster drills on a regular basis.
A ‘liaison council’ was established by concerned parties located around JR Nagamachi Station in June 2018. They drew up guildelines for responding to stranded people and implemented similar drills to those conducted around Sendai Station.
Meanwhile, to support people who choose to walk home, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City and 11 companies that belong to the Japan Franchise Association have signed an agreement whereby shops will act as support stations and provide potable water, toilet facilities and road directions to people walking home in the event of a disaster.

Links

DRR Practice④ Citizen and company participation in disaster risk reduction

InquiriesDisaster Risk Reduction Promotion Section,
Crisis Management Department
kks000130@city.sendai.jp