#Japan #Ishikawa #Vacan #digital management #Evacuation System

Evacuee Management System Launched in Noto Region

In a pioneering initiative, the four municipalities of Wajima City, Suzu City, Anamizu Town, and Noto Town in Ishikawa Prefecture have adopted an innovative "Evacuee Management System". This system, developed by VACAN Co., Ltd., aims to manage the chaos often associated with evacuation centers by digitizing check-in/out processes, creating registries, and monitoring real-time situations.

This momentous change will commence on November 30, 2025, marking it as the first of its kind in Ishikawa Prefecture, and it is rooted in the experiences derived from the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake and torrential rainfall in 2024. The project was informed by thorough feedback from local governments and residents, emphasizing the need for streamlining operations in times of crisis.

Background of the Initiative

Recent increases in natural disasters have necessitated immediate responses from local governments to minimize congestion during evacuations. VACAN has already assisted over 200 municipalities nationwide by providing real-time information on crowding at evacuation centers and facilitating access to evacuation maps. In light of the challenges witnessed during previous disasters, including prolonged disarray in centers due to the loss of communication and power, this new system aims to ensure that local municipalities are better prepared in the future.

The deployment of the Evacuee Management System aligns with the Ishikawa Prefecture's initiative for a digital lifeline in the Noto region, which underscores the importance of digitizing evacuation operations. This collaborative venture involves three companies: KDDI, NTT Docomo Business, and VACAN, with VACAN responsible for the core management system of the evacuation centers.

About the Initiative

The Evacuee Management System's rollout across Wajima, Suzu, Anamizu, and Noto will formally integrate technology into the handling of evacuation site operations. Built on the lessons learned from past experiences, this digital system will ensure efficient management of check-ins/outs and registries for evacuees, ultimately lightening the operational load during disasters.

With this implementation, a total of 109 evacuation centers across the four municipalities will have their information streamlined and visualized, aiding local governments and residents alike.

• - Wajima City: 41 centers
• - Suzu City: 26 centers
• - Anamizu Town: 5 centers
• - Noto Town: 37 centers

Features of the Evacuee Management System

The Evacuee Management System integrates multiple services into a cohesive digital platform. It includes functionalities that allow users to view the location and crowd status of evacuation centers on a map. The management tool, known as "VACAN Console", automatically visualizes the real-time occupancy and crowd conditions based on registry data collected at the centers.

Key Features:

• - Streamlined Check-In Processes: Users can check in via My Number cards, the VACAN Disaster Prevention LINE account, a web form on a smartphone, or manually through employee input on a management dashboard.
• - Automated Registry Creation: The system will automatically generate and update registries based on data collected through various channels. It allows for personal information editing and linking households/groups, as well as facilitate searches based on names or conditions while easing coordination with existing workflows.
• - Real-Time Crowding Visualization: Displaying nearby evacuation centers, their opening statuses, and current crowdedness helps residents make informed choices about where to go during emergencies.

Future Perspectives

Looking ahead, VACAN plans to enhance the system's capabilities, starting with managing crowd information and integrating additional features like supply needs forecasting and external system connectivity. The vision is to expand functionalities that also streamline reservations for public facilities and disseminate information on local events, creating a synergy between daily life and crisis management for seamless support during emergencies.

About VACAN Co., Ltd.

• - Company Name: VACAN Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Kōno Tsuyoshi
• - Address: 2-8-4 Nakarin Auto Building, Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0033, Japan
• - Established: June 2016
• - Website: VACAN

As part of the METI's "J-Startup 2019" initiative, VACAN embodies the mission of connecting people and spaces through technology, utilizing AI for crowd visualization and enhancing everyday urban experiences, while providing management services that improve public safety and convenience.