As an experienced flood control specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating floods can be for critical infrastructure and the communities that rely on it. From water treatment plants and transportation networks to power grids and communication systems – the impacts of severe flooding can be far-reaching and long-lasting. However, the lessons learned from past megadisasters, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) in 2011, offer valuable insights into building more flood-resilient infrastructure.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
In the aftermath of the GEJE, a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the Government of Japan has shed light on how to strengthen the resilience of critical services and assets. By examining the successes and failures of Japan’s disaster response and recovery, we can uncover key strategies applicable to flood risk management around the globe. Here are some of the most impactful lessons that have emerged over the past decade.
Resilient Infrastructure Design and Maintenance
Ensuring the structural integrity and operational continuity of critical infrastructure is essential for minimizing both direct and indirect impacts of floods. The GEJE demonstrated the cascading effects that can occur when essential services are disrupted, from water supply and sanitation issues to challenges for emergency response and recovery efforts.
One crucial lesson is the importance of redundancy in infrastructure design. In Sendai City, for example, the redundancy and seismic reinforcement of the water supply system allowed the utility to continue operating pipelines that were not physically damaged by the earthquake and tsunami. Similarly, the diversity of routes in Japan’s submarine internet cable network limited disruptions to national connectivity during the megadisaster.
However, redundancy might want to be carefully calibrated to the specific needs and resources of a given context. For private firms, collaboration can be an effective way to share the costs of redundant backup systems that have value even during non-disaster times. The “F-Grid” project in the Ohira Industrial Park is a prime example, where 10 companies pooled resources to build their own mini-grid for emergency power generation.
Equally important are pre-arranged agreements between the public and private sectors. After the GEJE, the swift repair of damaged roads was enabled by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s emergency action plans and pre-existing contracts with private construction companies. Clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and triggering events for post-disaster recovery has allowed for more coordinated and efficient response.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the resilience of cultural heritage sites also plays a crucial role in community cohesion and identity. The GEJE highlighted the need to invest in the protection and restoration of these resources, which can serve as symbols of recovery and provide valuable historical lessons about past disaster risks.
Risk Identification, Reduction, and Preparedness
The unprecedented scale of the GEJE revealed the importance of planning for both known and uncertain risks. Information and communication technology (ICT) has emerged as a powerful tool for improving risk assessment, evidence-based decision-making, and community engagement.
Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning System, for example, provided critical seconds or minutes of advance notice, allowing for quick action by individuals and organizations. Similarly, the RESAS data visualization platform has empowered local governments to make informed regional development plans, including pandemic recovery efforts.
Effective stakeholder engagement is also key to successful risk reduction and preparedness. The GEJE underscored the vital role of elders, women, and other vulnerable groups in building social capital and community resilience. Initiatives like the Ibasho Cafe, where older residents strengthened their social connections, exemplify the benefits of inclusive approaches.
Regular disaster simulation drills have also proven invaluable in Japan, helping to identify gaps in plans, test coordination between agencies, and raise public awareness. These drills are continuously updated to address lessons from past events, making preparedness an iterative process.
Beyond the public sector, the widespread adoption of business continuity planning (BCP) has been a game-changer for private companies. Firms with pre-existing BCPs were able to reduce disaster-related impacts on their financial soundness, supply chains, and overall recovery. National policies in Japan have played a crucial role in promoting BCP as a shared responsibility across all organizations.
Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance
Disasters can have immense financial consequences, both for the affected regions and national economies. The GEJE’s impact on Japan’s energy production, for example, led to widespread supply chain disruptions. Effective disaster risk finance and insurance (DRFI) mechanisms are therefore essential for mitigating these impacts.
Pre-arranged public-private partnerships have proven invaluable for the rapid restoration of critical infrastructure. Agreements between the government, infrastructure owners, and insurance providers clearly define post-disaster financial responsibilities, enabling swifter response and recovery. The Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency’s use of insurance to reduce contingent liabilities is one such model.
DRFI strategies also play a key role in supporting the resilience of businesses, especially small and medium enterprises. After the GEJE, firms with pre-existing risk financing mechanisms, such as low-interest loans or grants, were better able to survive the indirect impacts of the disaster, like supply chain disruptions.
The importance of financial preparedness also extends to the public sector. By establishing contingency budgets and clarifying contingent liabilities, governments can be better positioned to allocate resources efficiently and minimize service disruptions when a disaster strikes.
Continuous Improvement and Collaboration
Perhaps the overarching lesson from the GEJE is that resilience is an iterative process. Japan’s disaster management policies and regulations have been continually updated and refined based on the experiences and lessons learned from each major event.
The amendment of the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act in 2012, for instance, placed a stronger emphasis on the need to reopen roads quickly for emergency response. Similarly, building codes and seismic retrofitting requirements have been progressively strengthened to account for new vulnerabilities identified after disasters.
Crucially, this process of continuous improvement requires collaboration and the engagement of diverse stakeholders, including all levels of government, the private sector, and community organizations. By sharing resources, knowledge, and responsibilities, these multifaceted partnerships have enhanced the resilience of infrastructure, risk management, and disaster finance in Japan.
As the world faces an increasingly uncertain future, shaped by climate change, pandemics, and other emergent threats, the lessons from the GEJE offer a valuable roadmap for building more flood-resilient critical infrastructure. By prioritizing planning, redundancy, and collaborative risk management, we can work towards a future where essential services and assets are better protected from the devastating impacts of floods.
To learn more about innovative flood control strategies and technologies, I encourage you to explore the resources available on the Flood Control 2015 website. Together, we can strengthen the resilience of our communities and safeguard the critical infrastructure that we all rely on.
Tip: Regularly inspect and maintain flood barriers and drainage systems
