As mentioned in my previous article, the Japanese government adopted three emergency response priorities to the earthquake and tsunami. The first was to obtain information on the full extent of the disaster using helicopters within hours after the calamity. The second was to establish highly efficient rescue routes and mobilize local contractors based on prior agreements in the event of a disaster. The third priority was support from operable local government units in coordination with disaster relief agencies.
They established 11 routes that were opened the following day. Swift road-clearing operations to create rescue routes helped expand support activities. After 15 routes were opened, gross goods movement increased by 50 percent and traffic volume more than doubled.
The road-clearing teams had rechargeable satellite phones which were distributed to local governments. Eventually, vehicles were outfitted with satellite communications and disaster operations functions.
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