I live in a suburban town near Tokyo,
Japan. There are a variety of characteristics that Japan is known for, and one
of them is the recurrence of disasters, especially great earthquakes and
deluges, that often make headlines around the world. There are three problems
that are related to disasters in my town that interest me.
The safety measures for disasters in my
community may not be enough. Japan has been experiencing great disasters over
that past two decades such as earthquakes and floods and according to reports,
no place in Japan can be regarded as safe. Nevertheless, it often turns out
that the municipal office had not been prepared for the time of emergency after
a disaster hits an area. My community, which is located near a first-grade
river, does not seem to be an exception. As far as I know, little preparation
has been made other than the handout of a guidebook for earthquake and a hazard
map for a flood. Although evacuation areas in case of a huge earthquake are
designated, there is no practice involving all the residents, nor is there a
net for communication. The hazard map shows the area that would be immersed in
water, buy has no information about where residents should go when instructed
to evacuate. This would bring about confusion when actually a flood occurs.
When a disaster occurs, communication and
cooperation of the inhabitants play important roles in saving lives and
recovering conditions. However, the cohesion of the community is week. Most
residents of my community are from other areas and do not know each other.
Also, unless you have children and have contact with other adults in this area,
you have no means to communicate with other adult residents. Chances for
participation in events and activities are low as most adults are commuters to
the center of Tokyo. Some might be stockpiling food and figuring out where to
evacuate, but others, especially those who are old or disadvantaged, might not
be. We need to share the information where those who need help live and keep
contact with them lest they should not be forgotten.
Another concern regarding emergency is that
the weak, including children, are to be preys of selfish personalities. Evacuation
camps are hotbeds of harassments. Japan has been known to be seriously
paternalistic. UN reports show the low status of women in Japan and child porn
was banned a few years ago only after repeated UN requests. In our daily lives,
I experience and suspect sexual harassment by men to women, young men, and
children. Most of the cases are subtle, yet still evil enough to hurt the
victims. When a disaster hits, a Pandora’s box will be open and heinous crimes
can occur. In a community where there is not much substantial cohesion, it
would be easy for the week fall prey to the ill-minded.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿
注: コメントを投稿できるのは、このブログのメンバーだけです。