How foreign students managed during Hachinohe quakeーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Earthquake Impact Assessment
• Disaster Preparedness for Foreign Residents
• Damage to Cultural Sites (Georgiaans Shrine)
• Damage to Educational Institutions (National Institute of Technology, Hachino College)
• Student Evacuation and Safety Procedures
• Disaster Drills and Communication Systems
• Psychological Impact of Disasters
• Importance of Staying Prepared and Connected

Earthquake Impact and Damage Assessment

The transcript details the aftermath of an earthquake, focusing on the damage observed in Hachino. NHK's Endo Yuka reported firsthand on the impact, noting that the full extent of the damage is becoming clearer daily.

• Georgiaans Shrine: Significant damage requiring repairs was observed at the shrine. This is particularly challenging as it occurs close to the New Year's period, which is a high season for shrines. Officials are aiming to complete repairs in time for the holiday.
• National Institute of Technology, Hachino College: This educational institution also sustained damage, including cracks on walls and broken seams. The school, which has approximately 850 students, including 26 international students, reopened on Wednesday after being closed due to the quake.

Experiences of Foreign Residents

The report highlights the experiences of young foreign residents during the earthquake, emphasizing their vulnerability and the importance of preparedness.

• Papygon from Thailand: A student from Thailand, Papygon, described being on her smartphone in bed when the earthquake struck, stating it was the "most like big earthquake I ever faced too."
• Guidance and Safety Procedures: Upon experiencing the quake, Papygon sought guidance from her dormitory leader. She was instructed to grab essential items: her coat, passport, and wallet. The dormitory staff also checked on other residents before moving to a safer location.

Disaster Preparedness and Lessons Learned

The transcript underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, drawing lessons from past events and highlighting areas for improvement.

• Disaster Drills: The school and dormitories conduct one drill each year.
• Communication Systems: A group chat is utilized for students and staff to communicate, check on each other, and ask questions.
• Complacency and Reminders: The report suggests that a lapse in vigilance may have occurred since the Great East Japan Earthquake, stating, "Disasters come when you have forgotten about them. A bit of time has passed since the great East Japan earthquake, and honestly, we may have let our guard down a bit. In that sense, it is a good reminder of past lessons."
• Personal Preparedness: Papygon acknowledged that she could have been better prepared, and Monday's event served as an "important wakeup call." She subsequently took steps to prepare a bag with essentials like water and her passport for future earthquakes.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

The central argument is that while preparedness measures exist, the unpredictable nature of disasters necessitates continuous vigilance and adaptation.

• Evolving Situations: The transcript emphasizes that "disasters are complicated, evolving situations."
• Willingness to Help: Despite the challenges, there is a clear indication that "many are more than willing to offer help" among those in the school and the wider community.
• Importance of Connection: The key takeaway for effective disaster response is "staying in contact with each other."

Conclusion

The report from Hachino, delivered by NHK's Endo Yuka, illustrates the tangible damage caused by an earthquake to both cultural landmarks and educational institutions. It particularly focuses on the experiences of foreign students, highlighting their need for clear guidance and the effectiveness of established safety protocols like drills and communication channels. The event serves as a stark reminder of the potential for complacency and the critical importance of ongoing preparedness, personal readiness, and mutual support within the community to navigate the complexities of disaster situations.