Introduction
Even more than a decade after the Great East Japan Earthquake, we must not forget the threat of tsunamis. Fukushima Prefecture has announced that on March 28, 2025, it will designate 10 coastal municipalities as Tsunami Disaster Warning Zones, commonly known as “Yellow Zones.” This designation is an important step in ensuring residents’ safety in the event of a tsunami.
What is a Tsunami Disaster Warning Zone (Yellow Zone)?
A Tsunami Disaster Warning Zone (Yellow Zone) is an area designated based on the “Act on Regional Development for Tsunami Disaster Prevention.” This law was enacted to promote regional development prepared for maximum-class tsunamis, utilizing lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Yellow Zones indicate areas that may be inundated in the event of a maximum-class tsunami, designated by prefectural governors as areas where special warning and evacuation systems should be established. Specifically, the creation of tsunami hazard maps and securing evacuation facilities are required.
Target Areas
The following 10 municipalities will be designated as Yellow Zones:
- Iwaki City
- Soma City
- Minamisoma City
- Hirono Town
- Naraha Town
- Tomioka Town
- Okuma Town
- Futaba Town
- Namie Town
- Shinchi Town
Residents or those planning to visit these areas need to fully understand and prepare for the Yellow Zone designation.
Restrictions and Considerations of Yellow Zone Designation
Being designated as a Yellow Zone does not restrict building construction or development activities. However, in real estate transactions, there is an obligation to explain as an “important matter” that the property is within a Yellow Zone.
This measure is to ensure that buyers or tenants fully understand the tsunami risk when conducting real estate transactions.
What We Can Do
In response to the Yellow Zone designation, there are many things each of us can do:
- Check hazard maps: Confirm if your area, workplace, or school is included in the Yellow Zone, and check evacuation sites and routes on tsunami hazard maps.
- Verify evacuation sites and routes: Actually walk the evacuation routes to confirm the path to safe evacuation sites.
- Prepare emergency supplies: Stock emergency food, water, flashlights, radios, and other necessary items for evacuation.
- Discuss with family and community: It’s important to discuss contact methods and evacuation sites in case of a tsunami with family and community members to establish a cooperation system.
- Stay updated with the latest information: Always check the latest information from the Meteorological Agency and local authorities through TV, radio, and the internet.
Future Initiatives of Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima Prefecture states that even after the Yellow Zone designation, they will continue to consider designating areas with certain restrictions on construction and development in cooperation with municipalities.
This is an important initiative to promote safer regional development. It’s crucial for us to pay attention to future developments and actively participate.
Conclusion
Tsunamis can occur anytime, anywhere. With Fukushima Prefecture’s Yellow Zone designation, let’s each raise our awareness of tsunamis and never neglect our daily preparations.
“Tsunami Safe – To Protect Lives from Tsunamis” will continue to provide various information about tsunamis. Please utilize this for your safe living.
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