9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
[HDS09-03] Evaluation of Disaster Prevention Measures for Mount Ontake Based on Hiker-Participatory Evacuation Drills Simulating a Sudden Eruption
Keywords:volcano, Disaster Prevention Measures, Hiker-Participatory Evacuation Drills, Mount Ontakesan
1. Introduction
From 2022 to 2024, Kiso Town conducted evacuation training exercises for hikers, simulating the 2014 eruption of Mount Ontake. This study contributed to the planning and execution of these training exercises and conducted a survey of participants. While the training assumes a sudden volcanic eruption, unlike an actual eruption, emergency broadcasts were used to provide eruption information. This study analyzes hiker evacuation behavior and awareness, identifies challenges in evacuation actions, and examines the effectiveness of information provision.
2. Evacuation Training, Survey, and Analysis Methods
Evacuation training is considered an effective method for assessing evacuee performance and improving evacuation strategies. In this training, sirens were sounded via emergency broadcasts to simulate an eruption, and hikers were instructed to evacuate. Prior to the training, instruction sheets were distributed at the trailhead. Hiker actions were recorded via video, and a survey was conducted. Additionally, footage and articles from the 2014 eruption were analyzed and compared with the training results.
3. Results and Discussion
(1) Analysis of Evacuation Behavior
The percentage of hikers who began evacuation within one minute of the training start was 100% at Kengamine and approximately 31% on the trail. There was variability in the response time on the trail, with approximately 25% starting evacuation within 1-2 minutes, 25% taking more than 2 minutes, and 19% failing to evacuate.
Regarding evacuation destinations, 100% of hikers at Kengamine sought shelter in designated facilities, whereas only about 6% did so on the trail. Instead, approximately 38% took cover behind rocks, 31% remained in place, 13% sought shelter behind buildings, and 13% opted for other responses. This variation in behavior suggests confusion among hikers on the trail.
(2) Awareness During Evacuation
Regarding risk perception during the training, 27% of hikers at Kengamine felt safe and believed they would survive, compared to only 13% on the trail. Meanwhile, 67% of hikers at Kengamine and 13% on the trail felt at risk but believed they would survive. Conversely, 7% at Kengamine and 75% on the trail felt significant danger and anxiety. These results indicate that hikers at Kengamine felt more secure due to the presence of evacuation facilities, whereas those on the trail experienced higher levels of uncertainty.
(3) Difficulties in Evacuation and Need for Information
The percentage of participants who found evacuation routes unclear was 33% at Kengamine and 31% on the trail. Similarly, 60% at Kengamine and 44% on the trail felt they could not grasp their surroundings. There was a strong demand for clear instructions and options, with 60% at Kengamine and 63% on the trail expressing the need for more detailed information, highlighting the importance of effective communication.
(4) Comparison with the 2014 Eruption
Analysis of footage and reports from the 2014 eruption revealed variations in initial evacuation responses. At evacuation sites such as mountain huts, initial panic and confusion were observed, followed by silence as people refrained from unnecessary movement. After the eruption subsided, differences emerged between those who remained calm and assessed the situation rationally and those who struggled to make appropriate decisions. These findings indicate that the actual disaster environment was significantly more tense than the training setting.
4. Conclusion
To facilitate swift evacuation actions, clear information provision on evacuation routes and procedures is essential at both the trails and Kengamine. Specifically, clear signage indicating evacuation routes and structured guidance on appropriate actions should be established. Furthermore, information should be enhanced at evacuation sites to help hikers make calm and informed decisions.
From 2022 to 2024, Kiso Town conducted evacuation training exercises for hikers, simulating the 2014 eruption of Mount Ontake. This study contributed to the planning and execution of these training exercises and conducted a survey of participants. While the training assumes a sudden volcanic eruption, unlike an actual eruption, emergency broadcasts were used to provide eruption information. This study analyzes hiker evacuation behavior and awareness, identifies challenges in evacuation actions, and examines the effectiveness of information provision.
2. Evacuation Training, Survey, and Analysis Methods
Evacuation training is considered an effective method for assessing evacuee performance and improving evacuation strategies. In this training, sirens were sounded via emergency broadcasts to simulate an eruption, and hikers were instructed to evacuate. Prior to the training, instruction sheets were distributed at the trailhead. Hiker actions were recorded via video, and a survey was conducted. Additionally, footage and articles from the 2014 eruption were analyzed and compared with the training results.
3. Results and Discussion
(1) Analysis of Evacuation Behavior
The percentage of hikers who began evacuation within one minute of the training start was 100% at Kengamine and approximately 31% on the trail. There was variability in the response time on the trail, with approximately 25% starting evacuation within 1-2 minutes, 25% taking more than 2 minutes, and 19% failing to evacuate.
Regarding evacuation destinations, 100% of hikers at Kengamine sought shelter in designated facilities, whereas only about 6% did so on the trail. Instead, approximately 38% took cover behind rocks, 31% remained in place, 13% sought shelter behind buildings, and 13% opted for other responses. This variation in behavior suggests confusion among hikers on the trail.
(2) Awareness During Evacuation
Regarding risk perception during the training, 27% of hikers at Kengamine felt safe and believed they would survive, compared to only 13% on the trail. Meanwhile, 67% of hikers at Kengamine and 13% on the trail felt at risk but believed they would survive. Conversely, 7% at Kengamine and 75% on the trail felt significant danger and anxiety. These results indicate that hikers at Kengamine felt more secure due to the presence of evacuation facilities, whereas those on the trail experienced higher levels of uncertainty.
(3) Difficulties in Evacuation and Need for Information
The percentage of participants who found evacuation routes unclear was 33% at Kengamine and 31% on the trail. Similarly, 60% at Kengamine and 44% on the trail felt they could not grasp their surroundings. There was a strong demand for clear instructions and options, with 60% at Kengamine and 63% on the trail expressing the need for more detailed information, highlighting the importance of effective communication.
(4) Comparison with the 2014 Eruption
Analysis of footage and reports from the 2014 eruption revealed variations in initial evacuation responses. At evacuation sites such as mountain huts, initial panic and confusion were observed, followed by silence as people refrained from unnecessary movement. After the eruption subsided, differences emerged between those who remained calm and assessed the situation rationally and those who struggled to make appropriate decisions. These findings indicate that the actual disaster environment was significantly more tense than the training setting.
4. Conclusion
To facilitate swift evacuation actions, clear information provision on evacuation routes and procedures is essential at both the trails and Kengamine. Specifically, clear signage indicating evacuation routes and structured guidance on appropriate actions should be established. Furthermore, information should be enhanced at evacuation sites to help hikers make calm and informed decisions.