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Japan strengthens disaster preparedness for car-based evacuation after earthquake lessons

11.07.2026 04:08 2 min 4 sources
mainichi.jp JPN + 3 more
Japan strengthens disaster preparedness for car-based evacuation after earthquake lessons
Original source: 毎日新聞

In Brief

Following the Kumamoto and Noto earthquakes, Japan is revising its evacuation approach: the government has included support for those staying in cars in its basic plan, while municipalities purchase specialized equipment and develop guidelines.

In June 2024, the Japanese government revised its Basic Disaster Management Plan to officially include support for people who cannot or choose not to go to designated evacuation shelters, particularly those staying at home or in their cars (shachūhaku). The new policy promotes setting up small community-based support hubs to distribute food, water, and information. The change follows lessons from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, where about 40% of residents slept in cars, leading to cases of economy class syndrome.

At the municipal level, Kumamoto City has developed guidelines for safe car-based evacuation during disasters and is implementing an online system to track evacuees to prevent deaths related to prolonged stays in vehicles. Meanwhile, in Hyogo Prefecture, only two cities have pre-designated parking spaces for evacuees sleeping in cars; Kobe City does not recommend the practice, fearing traffic congestion.

In Fukuoka Prefecture, Nogata City has acquired a toilet trailer towed by a vehicle, intended for use during major disasters. The trailer operates even during power outages and can be dispatched to support other municipalities. Its exterior design was created by 12-year-old cut-picture artist KEN, appointed as a hometown support ambassador. The decision followed the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, where poor sanitary conditions led to deaths of evacuees due to refusal to eat and drink.

Aggregated by OpenVan.camp from the public sources listed below, with AI-assisted translation and summary. We always link to the original source. Machine translation may differ from the original -- check the source for important details. Images and content remain the property of their respective owners. Copyright information

Story sources

Nogata City Introduces Toilet Trailer for Large-Scale Disasters, Operates During Power Outages, Supports Other Municipalities

24.04.2026 mainichi.jp JPN Original source

Japan shifts disaster support: aid now reaches those staying home or in vehicles, not just evacuation centers

22.04.2026 komei.or.jp JPN Original source

Preparation for vehicle-based evacuation in Hyogo Prefecture: Only two cities have designated parking spaces in advance

21.04.2026 article.auone.jp JPN Original source

Guidelines to Prevent Deaths Related to Sleeping in Cars

03.04.2026 nishinippon.co.jp JPN Original source

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