What we learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake: Utilizing management issues from evacuation centers of sendai city for improving disaster management plan

Two years ago, Hitachi had agreed to cooperate with Sendai City for dealing the issues in the evacuation centers. As facing numerous issues after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE), Sendai City had immediately focused on the evacuation centers which provide safety and security to the citizens. Using a unique investigation method, the Experience-Oriented Approach, we conducted and analyzed the research in the evacuation centers and the interviews and workshops with the local governmental officials and the community directors. While the research was in progress, we realized that it was essential to reorganize the management plan, to identify the features of the evacuees by urban and suburban, and to examine the assistances that were provided to the evacuees in different time period at the evacuation centers. After evaluating all the research results, we have submitted a proposal to Sendai City. Based on all the acquired knowledge, we are continuing to develop the effective solution that will support for improving disaster management plan.