|
Reporter:
The island you see over there is Genkai Island. This is
the third spring since that devastating earthquake. I'm
on my way to visit the island’s residents to see how they
have recovered from the damage.
Narration:The
island is surrounded by tranquil scenery. New houses and
roads have been constructed, and smiles are back on the
faces of the residents. From its lively atmosphere, it's
hard to believe that this island was once a disaster-stricken
area.
Narration:On
March 20, 2005, an earthquake of magnitude 7 (measuring
6 on the Japanese intensity scale) jolted Genkai Island.
Now known as the Fukuoka Prefecture Western Offshore Earthquake,
its epicenter was located in the Genkai Sea, off the northwestern
coast of Fukuoka Prefecture.
The majority of the houses, 214 in total, sustained at least
partial damage. That night, residents were forced to leave
the island and to take shelter in uncomfortable surroundings.
Their prolonged evacuation in temporary housing must have
caused extreme psychological stress.
Narration:
Fukuoka City immediately established the Genkai Island Restoration
Office to initiate discussion and coordination with the
residents. The two sides combined efforts to realize a speedy
recovery from the disaster.
Many people paid sympathy visits to the island, including
the Emperor and Empress, who visited the island in October
2007. And three years after the earthquake, Genkai Island
has made an exceptionally speedy and successful recovery.
Mr.
Sugawa: The authorities alone couldn't
have made this recovery possible within such a short time
frame. The residents took their own initiatives, such as
conducting questionnaires, and helped us a lot. Because
of their efforts, things went very smoothly. Many residents
say, "thank you so much," "you did a fine
job!" and thank us for the work we did, but I really
think we owe making such a fast recovery to the residents.
I am so happy that I can relish their happiness with them.
Narration:
This is Mr. Hiroyasu Ito's house. This footage was taken
3 months after the earthquake. Mr. and Mrs. Ito were living
here with their daughter, son-in-law, and their two grandchildren
but after the earthquake they had to live apart.
Their daughter, Masami, and her family lived in temporary
housing set up in Kamome Hiroba in Chuo ward.
Mrs.
Masami Ito: They seemed to have lost
their appetite. I think they’re lonely.
Narration:
And three years have passed. After 3 years and 5 days from
the day the earthquake hit, all residents who opted to return
to live on the island were able to go back to their homes.
Reporter:
I wonder how the Ito family is doing. Oh, that must be their
house. It seems very lively with a lot of people!
Narration:
The construction of their new house is well underway. Today,
they are throwing mochi from the top of the building, an
event that takes place during the construction of a building.
Their two sons have grown quite a bit.
Reporter:
How do you feel now?
Mrs.
Masami Ito: I am just so happy to
be back.
Hijiri
Ito: I'm so excited!
Reporter:
What do you think your family has gained through this experience
following the earthquake?
Mr.
Hideo Ito: We have a stronger bond
now. We were a close-knit family before the earthquake but
I feel we have bonded even more.
Narration:
The restoration at Genkai Island is now complete. Parks
and open spaces have been built so residents can use them
as evacuation areas if an emergency arises. The new Nigiwai
Square encourages exchange between residents, and stairs
and slopes have been built with the elderly and people with
disabilities in mind. Genkai Island’s path to restoration
shows that residents' united efforts are vital to town development.
Reporter:
I look forward to seeing how the reborn Genkai Island develops
in the future.
|
