ISLAMABAD: The reconstruction of Kamaishi city of Japan has almost been completed and life returning to normal 10 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which devastated the entire city in 2011.
Its Mayor Takenori Noda has expressed the desire to visit countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Pakistan, which are prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes.
“We would like to visit these countries after the Covid-19 pandemic is over to share directly with the people the lessons we have learned as it is important to collaborate with each other to prepare for the crisis situation,” the mayor told a group of Islamabad-based journalists during an online interview to mark the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.
‘Preparedness crucial for disaster management
National
March 13, 2021
Islamabad: Pakistani ambassador to Japan Imtiaz Ahmad has declared preparedness crucial for the effective management of natural calamities. “Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Japan, so both the residents and authorities have prepared themselves for them in order to reduce their impact. Not only have the residents adequate knowledge but technologies and building codes are there as well to minimise the damage caused by them and ensure smooth relief and rehabilitation operations. We need to replicate the key lessons learned from the Japanese relief operations. In my opinion, preparedness for disasters is the key [to their effective management],” the envoy told an online session marking the 10th year of the Great East Japan Earthquake 2011. The International Press Division at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranged the event, where two Japanese people of Pakistani origin, including Anees Raees
‘Preparedness crucial for disaster management’
Islamabad
March 13, 2021
Islamabad : Pakistani ambassador to Japan Imtiaz Ahmad has declared preparedness crucial for the effective management of natural calamities.
“Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Japan, so both the residents and authorities have prepared themselves for them in order to reduce their impact. Not only have the residents adequate knowledge but technologies and building codes are there as well to minimise the damage caused by them and ensure smooth relief and rehabilitation operations. We need to replicate the key lessons learned from the Japanese relief operations. In my opinion, preparedness for disasters is the key [to their effective management],” the envoy told an online session marking the 10th year of the Great East Japan Earthquake 2011.
Takayuki Nakadaira poses at the Kamaishi city government office in Iwate Prefecture. (Masakazu Higashino)
KAMAISHI, Iwate Prefecture Prince Container is glued to his cellphone, deftly fielding calls from shipping company executives and cargo owners, lobbying them to use the port here to handle their goods.
The man, otherwise known as Takayuki Nakadaira, earned the nickname from the town s mayor, Takenori Noda, in honor of his achievements in bringing business back to Kamaishi Port after it was devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.
But Nakadaira, 47, born and raised here, isn t talking up the port as a private salesman. He works for the local city government.