En Musubi Noto Peninsula and Alaska together for Earthquake Recovery, Resilience, and Revitalization

by Emadul Islam, PhD

In the early hours of the first day of 2024, the Noto region of Japan was rocked by a seismic event of hefty magnitude, registering 7.6 on the Richter seismic scale. Its epicenter, centered on the Noto Peninsula, unleashed widespread devastation across prefectures in the Hokuriku region. The aftermath was stark: 240 lives were lost, 1,291 individuals were injured, and over 30,000 residences left severely damaged. The toll included 3,125 homes completely razed and 4,067 partially compromised. The calamity, characterized by fires, tsunamis, ground upheaval, liquefaction, and landslides, left an indelible mark on the affected communities.

?

?

Drawing a poignant comparison, Alaska faced a similar seismic ordeal in 1964, resulting in profound destruction across the State. Particularly impacted were fishing towns, grappling with the upheaval of vital fishing ports. Yet, through resilience and concerted effort, Alaskans navigated through the adversity, exemplifying the power of recovery.

In light of these parallels, the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) and Arctic Encounter have forged a collaborative endeavor.

?

To glean insights from Alaska's post-1964 earthquake recovery initiatives and apply them to the reconstruction and revitalization efforts for the Noto Peninsula's fishing ports.

Hence, the stage is set for the media briefing, titled " Noto Peninsula and Alaska together for Earthquake Recovery, Resilience, and Revitalization". This event features a comprehensive overview of the strategic planning and operational approaches orchestrated by OPRI in tandem with The Arctic Encounter. Central to the discourse will be the exchange of expertise, engineering solutions, and community-centric strategies, all geared toward fortifying the recovery program for the Noto fishing communities.

?

We have witnessed a profound demonstration of international cooperation and shared resolve. The narratives shared and strategies discussed underscore a unified commitment to not only restore but enhance the resilience of our Noto communities against natural calamities. The detailed insights from Alaska's historic recovery in 1964, alongside the current initiatives for the Noto Peninsula, are a testament to the strength found in learning from each other.

Media briefing participants have illuminated the path forward—a path marked by innovative recovery strategies, community-centric approaches, people to people connection and a steadfast focus on sustainable recovery for Noto people. The collaborative framework between the Ocean Policy Research Institute and Arctic Encounter and Alaskan delegates, enriched by contributions from experts across both regions, promises to catalyze a robust recovery and revitalization of the affected areas.

This initiatives resonates deeply with the traditional Japanese philosophy of?En Musubi.?En Musubi?means creating a connection that brings people together. This?long-standing?philosophy is crucial to solving any problem.

This project has successfully integrated the principles of En Musubi by fostering a profound partnership between Alaskan and Noto experts. This collaboration is not merely a transfer of knowledge and resources but a meaningful exchange that respects and utilizes the deep-rooted connections and shared experiences of both communities. By embodying En Musubi, we ensure that every strategy and solution is enriched with empathy, understanding, and a collective aim towards sustainable recovery.

Ms. Rachel Kalander, shared her experiences as a victim family member of 1964 earthquake in Alaska, USA 1964 Alaska earthquake experiences has offered us a blueprint for action that resonates deeply with our current challenges.

The former Governor of Alaska Mr William M. Walker shared his experiences on devasted 1964 earthquake and how its relate to Noto earthquake victim devastation.

The briefing outlined a comprehensive strategy focusing on the revitalization of the Noto Peninsula's fishing ports. This is particularly critical given the economic backbone these ports provide to the local community. The collaborative efforts are centered around engineering solutions that can withstand future calamities and community-centric approaches that prioritize the wellbeing of the local population.

Experts from both regions, including those who have lived through the 1964 Alaskan earthquake, shared invaluable insights. Former Governor William M. Walker, deeply affected by the Alaskan quake, highlighted the importance of community resilience and the need for immediate and sustainable recovery efforts. Their stories are not just narratives of survival but blueprints for action that resonate with the current challenges faced by the Noto communities.

However, challenges remain. Despite Japan's renowned disaster response strategies, the recovery in Noto has been criticized for its slow pace, especially in densely populated areas around Wajima Port. The damage here includes not just the physical destruction of infrastructure but also a significant impact on the local economy, with many fishing households facing both unemployment and homelessness due to the inoperability of the elevated ports.

This partnership, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of En Musubi—creating connections that bring people together has the potential to forge a new model for disaster recovery. It's about building a resilient framework that not only restores but improves, leveraging the collective strength and wisdom of both communities.

As the world watches and learns, this international effort between Noto and Alaska could set a precedent for future collaborations in disaster recovery and resilience building. The shared commitment and innovative strategies discussed at the media briefing illuminate a path forward—one marked by empathy, understanding, and a concerted effort toward sustainable recovery. This is a testament to the power of global solidarity and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.