Noto Peninsula Earthquake: Heralbony delivers disability-inclusive disaster information

On New Year’s Day, a devastating earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, shattering the tranquility and well-wishes everyone typically associates with the start of a new year.

Due to the series of earthquakes originating in the Noto region, as of the 7th, about 404 evacuation centers have been set up in Ishikawa Prefecture, accommodating over 28,800 evacuees. Reports indicate shortages of food and supplies at some of these shelters, prompting a growing chorus of pleas for assistance from various affected areas. Concerns arise, such as, “Are the individual needs of diverse evacuees being understood on-site?”

Heralbony, a welfare experimental company aiming to cultivate a new culture rooted in welfare, launched “#DoNotErasePeopleWithDisabilities (＃障害者を消さない).” It unveiled a dedicated webpage with guidelines and useful information for people with disabilities in evacuation centers. Simultaneously, it initiated a campaign to share the authentic voices of individuals with disabilities in disaster-stricken areas through social media.

Downloadable Disaster Communication Board, aid for evacuees with diverse needs

The company made a notable post on their social media later in the day when the earthquake occurred. They shared a shelter-recommended Disaster Communication Board aimed at people at evacuation sites. In times of disaster, especially at evacuation centers, there are individuals facing difficulties in communication, such as those with intellectual disabilities, autism, foreigners and non-verbal individuals. The Communication Board with symbol illustrations to assist such individuals is available for download.

The CEO Matsuda wrote on the post, “My brother, who has severe intellectual disabilities, also commonly uses picture cards at home. I learned that during the East Japan Earthquake, these were widely utilized in the affected areas, particularly in the latter stages of life in evacuation centers, as shared by a welfare facility in Iwate Prefecture.”

He cited Obu City’s approach as an outstanding example and shared a link. The board is labeled in simple Japanese, English, Vietnamese and Chinese. In the event that evacuation persists for an extended period, he urged for smooth information acquisition and communication among diverse individuals.

As of now, during the Noto Peninsula earthquake, people with disabilities are likely experiencing significant confusion due to changes in their living environment. In these challenging times, Heralbony remains committed to ensuring that crucial disaster information reaches and supports individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and resilient community.