Case Studies
EM Measures for Earthquake Disaster Recovery in Western Japan
Ishikawa, Japan
Overview
On January 1, 2024, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula on the west coast of mainland Japan, causing widespread destruction including collapsed homes, tsunamis, landslides, and severe damage to transportation networks, isolating the region and delaying rescue efforts. In particular, the cities of Suzu and Wajima were severely damaged, resulting in over 300 deaths (as of August 2024).
Mr. Takashi Nakano of N Style Lab in Fukui Prefecture began to provide with EM solution to help the recovery efforts and improve the living conditions in the disaster-hit areas.
Mr. Takashi Nakano of N Style Lab in Fukui Prefecture began to provide with EM solution to help the recovery efforts and improve the living conditions in the disaster-hit areas.
Earthquake Aftermath
The earthquake severely affected daily life and infrastructure on the Noto Peninsula:
- Transportation and Access: Collapsed roads and landslides made the area inaccessible, delaying rescue and relief efforts. Despite the immense challenges, even the Self-Defense Forces had difficulty entering the affected areas.
- Sanitation Issues: Septic tanks and toilets became inoperable due to clogs and persistent foul odors, posing serious hygiene risks.
- Housing Damage: Many homes were destroyed or left in dangerous conditions. Even temporary shelters faced environmental challenges, such as foul odors during summer heat waves.
These problems compounded the difficulties of disaster recovery and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable reconstruction measures.
- Transportation and Access: Collapsed roads and landslides made the area inaccessible, delaying rescue and relief efforts. Despite the immense challenges, even the Self-Defense Forces had difficulty entering the affected areas.
- Sanitation Issues: Septic tanks and toilets became inoperable due to clogs and persistent foul odors, posing serious hygiene risks.
- Housing Damage: Many homes were destroyed or left in dangerous conditions. Even temporary shelters faced environmental challenges, such as foul odors during summer heat waves.
These problems compounded the difficulties of disaster recovery and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable reconstruction measures.
EM Measurements
1. Sanitation and Odor Control:
Mr. Takashi Nakano led the effort to apply EM Technology to address sanitation challenges: - A 250L tank of AEM (Activated EM・1) was prepared and delivered to the affected areas. - AEM was used to unclog a septic tank managed by the Noto Recycle Cooperative. - Volunteers, including Mr. Nakano, divided the AEM into 500ml plastic bottles and treated the portable toilets daily.
2. Housing Issues:
Mr. Yu, a local resident, used EM Technology to enhance plaster, EM Diatomite, and EM Ceramics in the renovation of his 90-year-old house. After the earthquake, he noticed that his home sustained less damage compared to neighboring houses. To overcome the challenges of rebuilding on unstable ground, he also suggests using trailers as temporary housing solutions. Together with Mr. Nakano, he is working to promote EM Technology as a key tool for sustainable recovery in the region.
Mr. Takashi Nakano led the effort to apply EM Technology to address sanitation challenges: - A 250L tank of AEM (Activated EM・1) was prepared and delivered to the affected areas. - AEM was used to unclog a septic tank managed by the Noto Recycle Cooperative. - Volunteers, including Mr. Nakano, divided the AEM into 500ml plastic bottles and treated the portable toilets daily.
2. Housing Issues:
Mr. Yu, a local resident, used EM Technology to enhance plaster, EM Diatomite, and EM Ceramics in the renovation of his 90-year-old house. After the earthquake, he noticed that his home sustained less damage compared to neighboring houses. To overcome the challenges of rebuilding on unstable ground, he also suggests using trailers as temporary housing solutions. Together with Mr. Nakano, he is working to promote EM Technology as a key tool for sustainable recovery in the region.
Effects and Results
The application of EM Technology has yielded the following positive outcomes:
- EM effectively resolved clogs and odors in septic tanks and portable toilets, temporary facilities, and significantly improved hygiene even during the intense summer heat.
- EM construction materials appear to be more resilient and houses were less damaged by the earthquake, showing its potential in disaster prevention.
- The joint efforts of Mr. Nakano and Mr. Yu and local organizations have fostered hope and resilience among residents, promoting sustainable living practices with EM Technology.
- According to Mr. Nakano, it is important to integrate EM Technology into daily life, not only for agriculture and cleaning, but also as a crucial tool in disaster management.
- Ongoing support and cooperation remain vital, and Mr. Nakano plans to continue working with local communities to improve disaster resilience after another devastating heavy rainfall in September 2024 caused further damage to the region.
- EM effectively resolved clogs and odors in septic tanks and portable toilets, temporary facilities, and significantly improved hygiene even during the intense summer heat.
- EM construction materials appear to be more resilient and houses were less damaged by the earthquake, showing its potential in disaster prevention.
- The joint efforts of Mr. Nakano and Mr. Yu and local organizations have fostered hope and resilience among residents, promoting sustainable living practices with EM Technology.
- According to Mr. Nakano, it is important to integrate EM Technology into daily life, not only for agriculture and cleaning, but also as a crucial tool in disaster management.
- Ongoing support and cooperation remain vital, and Mr. Nakano plans to continue working with local communities to improve disaster resilience after another devastating heavy rainfall in September 2024 caused further damage to the region.
