Image Credits: The Japan News
Japan has initiated a significant evacuation effort, with 139 shelters now operational across four prefectures: Aichi, Wakayama, Kochi, and Kagoshima. This advisory, issued to prepare for the potential impact of a megathrust earthquake, has prompted action even though it does not mandate preemptive evacuations.
A survey conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun has identified that shelters have been established in 24 municipalities within these prefectures, reflecting both proactive measures by local authorities and responsive actions to resident concerns. The advisory, encompassing 29 prefectures and 707 municipalities, saw responses from 27 prefectures regarding their shelter status.
Among the affected regions, Kochi Prefecture has set up the most shelters, with 113 distributed across 20 municipalities. Aichi follows with 20 shelters in one city, Kagoshima has four shelters in two towns, and Wakayama has two shelters in one city. Despite these preparations, only 68 people have evacuated to date.
As of Sunday, approximately half of the shelters had closed, leaving 65 shelters still operational, with 22 evacuees. Notably, in Tosashimizu, Kochi Prefecture, where a potential tsunami height of up to 34 meters is anticipated, around 15 elderly residents took refuge in a local shelter. Similarly, in Tosa, Kochi, a welfare shelter was set up in a senior care facility to accommodate bedridden elderly individuals.
In Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, where the maximum seismic intensity is anticipated to reach level 7 on the Japanese scale, 20 shelters were opened under disaster response guidelines. However, concerns over inadequate air conditioning in some shelters have reduced the number of operational shelters to two. Only one person evacuated during the initial phase, but the city plans to maintain shelter operations for up to a week to ensure preparedness.
Should a Megathrust Earthquake Alert be issued, which demands preemptive evacuation for areas vulnerable to tsunami impacts, municipalities will be required to activate shelters. Prefectural officials have indicated readiness to support the establishment of shelters if such an alert is issued, highlighting the ongoing commitment to disaster preparedness and response.