AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan) supported the establishment of a “welfare evacuation shelter” equipped with accessible restrooms and showers for people with disabilities in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the area affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, in cooperation with welfare facilities within the city. An open house was held on-site on January 29.

The completed “LABO”(located in Hakuba-machi, Nanao City) is a Type A continuous employment support facility operated by the Nanao-Nakanoto Employment Support Center(based in Nanao City), a general incorporated association providing employment support for people with disabilities.

“We also have shower rooms to help people endure prolonged evacuation,” said Mr. Kitani, the center director, as he cheerfully guided visitors around the facility.

Some continue to shelter at home out of concern for others

Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, many residents immediately evacuated to shelters such as gymnasiums and community centers. However, some people with developmental or intellectual disabilities experienced instability due to changes in the shelter environment. Many cases were observed where family members, out of concerns for others, remained in their potentially collapsing houses or continued sleeping in their cars. Consequently, combined with the severe cold, cases occurred where the health of people with disabilities and their families deteriorated.

Such cases carry the risk of leading to disaster-related deaths. Therefore, AAR supports the development of welfare evacuation shelters that people with disabilities can use with peace of mind and without hesitation. An agreement has now been signed between Nanao City, which is advancing the strengthening of welfare evacuation shelter systems, and the Nanao-Nakanoto Employment Support Center. This agreement designates “LABO” as a “welfare evacuation shelter” during disasters. “LABO” serves as a regular venue where people with disabilities receive work and daily-life consultations. It is expected to provide appropriate consideration and support for people with disabilities during disasters as well.

Kitchen facilities for self-cooking

AAR replaced the workplace floor of “LABO,” which had tilted during the earthquake, with wood flooring to enable overnight stays during disasters. Furthermore, they installed shower rooms, accessible restrooms, and a kitchen for self-cooking, which will be necessary if evacuation period becomes prolonged. The total cost for installing the shower rooms, restrooms, and other facilities amounted to 6.47 million yen, fully covered by donations received by AAR.

This case represents an advanced initiative that achieved an ideal evacuation environment early on by combining “agreements with the government” and “support from a nonprofit organization.” It is expected to spread as a concrete solution for preventing disaster-related deaths.

Mr.Kitani said, “With AAR’s support, we have taken a concrete step toward changing the current situation where people with disabilities cannot evacuate.”

Drawing on our accumulated expertise in disaster relief and disability support, AAR will continue to collaborate with survivors of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake to support their recovery. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.