Japan's small island communities prepare to ride out disasters alone

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In the event of a major earthquake, the islands' inherent isolation and, for some, remote locations make the delivery of emergency supplies and other aid in the aftermath of tsunami and other calamities a big challenge.

While authorities at national and municipal levels are striving to raise awareness of the need for individuals to be ready and able to help themselves and others, some took matters into their own hands after the 2011 earthquake that devastated the northeast's Tohoku region.

The Urato Islands in Matsushima Bay in the region demonstrate how island communities can support themselves during crises. In 2011, the residents of the four inhabited islets minimized casualties by working together after the earthquake and tsunami, with little government assistance.

After the disaster, self-sufficiency on the islands in Miyagi Prefecture proved critical as there were only three deaths from some 600 inhabitants, despite half of the houses being destroyed or swept away.

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