civics
Evacuation Shelter Setup Drill Assumes Heavy Rain Disaster in Hida, Gifu: Community-Based "Mutual Aid" in Disaster Prevention Put to the Test
Related terms: 防災 避難所 自助共助公助 防災士 災害弱者 大雨
Key points (reviewing AI explanation)
In Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, in June 2026, a drill for setting up and operating evacuation shelters, assuming a heavy rain and flood disaster, was carried out through the cooperation of residents and certified disaster prevention specialists. In response to the recent increase in torrential rain associated with climate change, efforts to strengthen "mutual aid" disaster prevention systems that link local governments and residents are advancing across the country.
Japan's disaster prevention system is built on a three-layer structure of "self-help, mutual aid, and public help." "Self-help" refers to preparations made by individuals and households (such as emergency supply bags and checking hazard maps); "mutual aid" refers to mutual support among neighbors, neighborhood associations, and certified disaster prevention specialists; and "public help" refers to public support from the fire department, police, Self-Defense Forces, and government administration. Because public help cannot keep up during large-scale disasters, strengthening mutual aid in particular is considered important.
The certified disaster prevention specialist is a private qualification certified by the "Japan Bosaishi Organization," with about 260,000 people registered nationwide as of 2026. Requirements for certification include passing an exam and completing emergency lifesaving training, and holders are responsible for evacuation guidance, first aid, and support for those who need assistance. In rural areas experiencing an aging population, how to secure a support system for those requiring consideration (the elderly, people with disabilities, and infants) has become a major challenge.
There is a term, "disaster-vulnerable people." Those who have difficulty accessing information or means of transportation are most likely to suffer the greatest harm during a disaster. In your community, who might become "disaster-vulnerable"? Think concretely about what you yourself can do right now to contribute to disaster prevention as a member of your community.
Explanation
In Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, in June 2026, a drill for setting up and operating evacuation shelters, assuming a heavy rain and flood disaster, was carried out through the cooperation of residents and certified disaster prevention specialists. In response to the recent increase in torrential rain associated with climate change, efforts to strengthen "mutual aid" disaster prevention systems that link local governments and residents are advancing across the country.
Japan's disaster prevention system is built on a three-layer structure of "self-help, mutual aid, and public help." "Self-help" refers to preparations made by individuals and households (such as emergency supply bags and checking hazard maps); "mutual aid" refers to mutual support among neighbors, neighborhood associations, and certified disaster prevention specialists; and "public help" refers to public support from the fire department, police, Self-Defense Forces, and government administration. Because public help cannot keep up during large-scale disasters, strengthening mutual aid in particular is considered important.
The certified disaster prevention specialist is a private qualification certified by the "Japan Bosaishi Organization," with about 260,000 people registered nationwide as of 2026. Requirements for certification include passing an exam and completing emergency lifesaving training, and holders are responsible for evacuation guidance, first aid, and support for those who need assistance. In rural areas experiencing an aging population, how to secure a support system for those requiring consideration (the elderly, people with disabilities, and infants) has become a major challenge.
There is a term, "disaster-vulnerable people." Those who have difficulty accessing information or means of transportation are most likely to suffer the greatest harm during a disaster. In your community, who might become "disaster-vulnerable"? Think about what you can do now to contribute to disaster prevention as a member of your community.
Source: news.google.com