We suggest utilizing the roofs of existing tsunami-resistant buildings, including the ferry terminal and the maritime training center, as emergency refuges. In addition to the existing facilities, we also suggest the construction of a community exchange center, sports center, fire station, and hotels which are being planned under the MTP.
・Emergency refuge buildings should be newly built in are as where there are no such buildings.
・The dock roads, which connect the earthquake- proof berth, ferry quaywall, disaster- prevention greenery area and the prefectural roads, should be highly earthquake- resistant.
?Measures for building roads against tsunamis
When planning the prefectural roads near the port hinterland, the water runup height was considered by computer simulation. Based on the connection of the prefectural Okushiri Island route and the dock road, measures which regard these roads as escape routes are necessary.
?Measures along the seashore, considering tsunami
Regarding the northern and southern shore edges, adjacent to the port, examination based on computer simulation subject to assumed wave sources was conducted. Based on this examination, suggestions concerning the problems requiring coordination with other related projects are made.
4-3 Examination of disaster-prevention system
The results of the examination are shown below:
(1) Communication system for forecasting and warning
?Information network
In Okushiri, the merits of the conventional disaster- prevention administrative radio system were re- affirmed. However, promotion of a disaster- information network is necessary in order to facilitate communication with administrative bodies, including the Hokkaido and national governments, and to speed up initial rescue operations.
?Information exchange system
In the case of Okushiri Island, it is necessary to obtain information on securing transportation necessary to carry rescue and emergency items from mainland Hokkaido. For this reason, damage status in the port, roads and emergency arrival and departure areas should be grasped quickly.Thus, possible means include the establishment of an information system utilizing communications via personal computers, facsimile and the Internet. Furthermore, necessary consideration is required to secure communication when a disaster occurs.
?Monitoring tsunami in the port
The present tsunami- monitoring system is established in such a way that observers go to the port and monitor it through visual observation. A tsunami- monitoring system that uses a camera monitor should be introduced. Thereby, the observers will not have to risk their lives and it will be possible to know how tsunamis hit the port and the location of floating objects and submerged automobiles. This will contribute to removal operations.
(2) Disaster-prevention education and information dissemiation
?Dissemination
The recognition "Earthquakes equal tsunamis and immediate evacuation" should be widespread so that it becomes consensus among the islanders.
・Knowledge about the port when tsunami hit.
・Knowledge about tsunamis.
・Evacuation (of people and fishing boats).
・Holding disaster- prevention seminars.
?Preparation of tsunami- and disaster- prevention maps.
Presentation of disaster- prevention information (areas prone to tsunami disaster, safe areas, evacuation guidance routes, areas for emergency and designated refuge, and the location of hazardous materials) in a simple and understandable manner, which all residents preparing for earth-quakes should know.
?Posting permanent signs for evacuation and escape routes
Signs for escape routes and refuges should be posted for people from outside of the island, such as tourists, who have no knowledge of such.
・Posting information board which indicates refuges and escape routes.
・Information dissemination by pamphlets.
・To facilitate nighttime evacuation, install lights along escape routes and guide lights.
(3) Measures in Okushin Port during disasters
?Measures to prevent automobiles from being washed away
In Okushiri Port, most automobiles were washed away by the tsunami and became obstacles for rapid reopening of ferry routes. Thus, the following measures would prevent automobiles from being washed away:
・The use of fences, including bumpers.
・A method in which automobiles are fixed with hooks.
・Construction of elevated parking devices, taking into account tsunami heights.
?Removal of obstacles in the port
・Clarifying demarcation points of responsibility.
・Seeking consent of the owners of the obstacles prior to operation.
?Examination of temporary storage sites of emergency goods and rubble resulting from the disaster.
・In preparation for utilizing open spaces at the time of emergency, establish a management standard for the goods to be stored for a long time in normal conditions.
・Immediate transfer to a secondary storage place or the final storage place.
?Speedy safety checks of the port facilities
When disaster research vessels and rescue boats enter the port, safety checks of the structures and water depths should be conducted.
・When safety checks are conducted through visual observation, divers should be called in immediately to check safety underwater.
・Aside from checks through visual observation, safety checks using data from strong- motion seismographs should be conducted to speed up the process.
・Establishment of a system for obtaining information about the location of operation boats and divers.
?Examination for heliport areas
While there are 4 designated areas which can serve as heliports in the town of Okushiri, there is no suitable heliport in the Okushiri district Thus, the disaster- preven-
