#Japan #Ishikawa #Public-Private Collaboration #Okunoto Rain Disaster #RCF

The Okunoto Heavy Rain Disaster: An Analysis of Public-Private Collaboration

In September 2024, the Okunoto region experienced devastating heavy rain, prompting immediate responses from various organizations and entities. The general incorporated association RCF - supported by donations from employees through the "Endless Fund" of Daiwa House Group - has compiled a report detailing case studies on public-private collaborations in response to this disaster.

Background of the Report

Following the heavy rain disaster in Okunoto, various organizations such as the Ishikawa Prefectural Government, the Ishikawa Prefectural Volunteer Center, social welfare councils, and multiple NPOs and NGOs formed strong collaborations to tackle the situation. The swift response initiated by these entities illustrates the vital role of public-private partnerships in disaster response.

The purpose of this report is to shed light on the specific actions taken during the response, the results achieved, and the challenges that remain post-disaster. Insights gathered from this event aim to inform future disaster responses in Ishikawa and nationally.

Overview of Public-Private Collaboration Efforts

1. Online Morning Meetings: In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, an online meeting known as the “morning meeting” was established, led by the Vice Governor, bringing together social welfare entities, NPOs, and others for information exchange.
- During these meetings, the needs expressed from the field were addressed; a special task force was created under the Vice Governor to allocate responsibilities among government departments, facilitating efficient problem-solving.

2. Coordination and Communication: The task force became a significant driving force, negotiating with various government bodies and creating efficient systems to manage debris removal and streamline processes for disaster classifications. This collaborative approach enhanced the effectiveness of disaster response systems established throughout the region.

3. Building Trust with Private Entities: The task force emphasized the importance of building trust between governmental and private organizations. By maintaining open lines of communication with community groups, local needs were effectively addressed, and common goals were achieved through collaboration.

4. Role of Local NPOs: Through the disaster efforts, local NPOs established trust with government officials, enhancing cooperation that provided invaluable support to disaster recovery initiatives. This collaboration allowed for volunteer staff to be dispatched, facilitating response efforts at the local disaster volunteer centers.

Future Lessons and Recommendations

The experience gained from the Okunoto disaster highlights several key lessons for future disaster responses:

• - Sustainable Communication Structures: The morning meeting structure and the functions of the special task force should not be viewed as one-time solutions. They should be institutionalized as official mechanisms allowing for direct feedback from the field in future disasters.
• - Prior Collaboration: The existing trust formed from previous collaborations, especially during the Noto Peninsula Earthquake just nine months prior, was critical for effective joint action during the heavy rain disaster. Continuous cooperation and preparedness are integral to fostering the relationships needed for effective disaster response.
• - Financial Support Issues: Challenges persist regarding the financial framework supporting volunteer centers and the operational costs for disaster response tools, necessitating public funding to enable sustainable operations for private sector initiatives.

Interviews and Contributions

This report features insights from key governmental figures and representatives from various private organizations who provided their perspectives and expertise during the research:

• - Daisuke Asano, Vice Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture
• - Shintaro Sato, Director of Creative Reconstruction Promotion Division
• - Etsuko Harigaki, Executive Director of Ishikawa Prefectural Volunteer Center
• - Yusuke Yamashita, Chairman of the Townno Reconstruction Project Committee
• - Tsutomu Maehara, Representative of Disaster NGO
• - Yukari Koshima, Peace Boat Disaster Relief Center

Further interviews and insights are available in CORECOLOR articles, highlighting the critical relationships between NGOs and government agencies during disaster recovery efforts.

For inquiries regarding this report, please reach out to RCF, phone number 03-6265-0164, contact: Wakada.