An ideal model for disasters management

By: Dr. Mohammed Awad Mahmoud

E.mail: mohammed.osman@ipag.fr

Japan is a leading global model in disaster management, having developed a comprehensive

system that integrates advanced technology, resilient infrastructure, and high public awareness to

deal with earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. This system is based on the Basic Disaster Control

Measures Act of 1961, which precisely distributes responsibilities between the government and

the private sector to minimize human and material losses.

There is no doubt that the damage and human and material losses inflicted on the Japanese people

in recent years are calling all peoples to stand with the Japanese people and sympathize with their

distress. The images and reports broadcast via satellite TV channels directly to thousands of people

as they face their fate in the disaster were extremely painful, and especially so in view of what is

known as Japan’s superiority in safety procedures and precaution for earthquakes through a long

history of experience in dealing with them.

Perhaps it is fortunate that the quake’s epicenter generated by the devastating

tsunami was located away more than 130 kilometers from the land. The losses were

exponentially not limited to the loss of lives and houses, but also included vital installations like

the stations generating electricity from nuclear power, refineries, the rail and telecommunications

network, ports, roads, and many more, i.e. that part of Japan which is situated on the north-east

coast has become paralyzed by the dashing tsunami visitor that acted on the blink of an eye on the

fourth day in full sight of the world Perhaps it is also fortunate that the bulk of the mass within the

affected area was revealed before night fell.

As the disaster happened during day time, daylight was a big help in the rescue of the injured and

in the management of their affairs, and contributed decisively to reducing the size of the

losses and the number of missing persons, especially since most public services were disrupted,

especially electricity and transportation.

The Japanese government’s handling of governmental bodies, institutions, and non-governmental

organizations in connection with the disaster is a valuable experience worthy of study and offers

many benefits. We should be aware that we are not safe from natural disasters, that similar

terrifying events can also happen in our part of the world. But what gives a broader dimension to

the catastrophe in Japan when compared to a lot of similar disasters in other parts of the world is

the existence of nuclear reactors and large industrial complexes in the periphery of the event.

Japan’s disaster management model, one of the most advanced and resilient in the world, can be

beneficial by adopting a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, education, and advanced

technology. The Japanese model emphasizes “building back better” and engaging the entire

community.

In conclusion, I hope that all countries in the Middle East and Africa, especially Arab countries,

will make the most of the Japanese experience in disaster management and adapt this experience

to their local needs and systems in order to achieve excellent results that enable them to manage

all natural and other hazards with high efficiency and capability