Insights from Noto Peninsula Earthquake: A Study on Digital Communication Usage
Insights from Noto Peninsula Earthquake: A Study on Digital Communication Usage
In May 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications published an extensive report detailing the use of digital communication tools during the Noto Peninsula earthquake that struck in 2024. This investigation was carried out through interviews and surveys aimed at local residents and organizations involved in disaster response and recovery. The findings highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of communication strategies employed in this natural disaster.
Research Overview
The research was conducted using two primary methods:
- - Survey: The survey targeted individuals who lived in or were visiting areas affected by the earthquake, collecting 1,092 responses. Key locations included Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly in towns and cities that showed significant damage.
- - Interviews: Interviews were conducted with representatives from local governments, businesses, hospitals, and organizations that supported disaster responses. A total of 57 interviews were performed, focusing on their experiences and the challenges encountered during the earthquake.
The research periods for the survey spanned from November 2024 to February 2025, while interviews took place from December 2024 to March 2025.
Key Findings
Highlights from the digital communication study during the Noto Peninsula earthquake included:
Survey Insights
1. Media Access: The survey indicated that television was the primary source of information for residents after the earthquake; however, areas with the most significant destruction reported lower access rates to television broadcasts. This suggests that many residents could not rely on this medium during critical moments.
2. Misinformation on Social Media: Data revealed that 51.9% of respondents encountered questionable information on social media regarding the earthquake. Among temporary residents, this figure soared to nearly 90%. This highlights the vulnerability of individuals during crises when misinformation can spread rapidly.
3. Impacts of Misinformation: About 5% of permanent residents reported suffering from issues caused by misinformation. In contrast, the rate jumped to 32.6% among temporary visitors to the region, indicating a heightened risk for those not familiar with the localized context.
4. Social Media Channels: Twitter was the most prevalent platform for misinformation in both the study and national surveys. However, the local study recorded higher usage of LINE for misinformation compared to the national data.
Interview Insights
1. Network Damage: Approximately half of the interviewees confirmed experiencing damaged communication networks post-earthquake, which severely hampered rescue and recovery efforts.
2. Satellite Communication: To address communication failures, some areas implemented satellite communication services, such as Starlink, in evacuation centers. The feedback from users was overwhelmingly positive; however, issues around installation and ongoing costs were noted as ongoing challenges.
3. False Rescue Calls: There were notable instances where false information circulated on social media, prompting unnecessary requests for rescue from local authorities, leading to wasted resources and confusion during emergency operations.
Conclusion
The Ministry's report emphasizes the crucial role digital communication plays in disaster situations. While the Noto Peninsula earthquake exposed significant challenges in accessing reliable information, it also illustrated the rapid adaptability of organizations when faced with communication challenges. Future considerations for disaster preparedness should incorporate more robust measures for managing misinformation and ensuring that all residents have access to relevant communication channels during emergencies.
For further details, the complete findings and materials related to this report are available on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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