As the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake approaches, a significant event is taking place near Isogo Park at the “Kobe City Citizen Welfare Exchange Center.” A special exhibition showcasing the post-earthquake recovery efforts through a collection of photographs and a reading session of earthquake memoirs is currently being held.
Following the devastation of the earthquake, the Kobe City Council of Social Welfare engaged in various activities to support recovery efforts. These included providing assistance to evacuees at designated facilities, supporting social welfare institutions affected by the disaster, coordinating the distribution of relief supplies from across the country to shelters, managing the supply and demand of volunteers, and later on, supporting temporary housing initiatives.
The exhibition not only offers a valuable glimpse into the records of that time but also features a reading session of earthquake memoirs conducted by volunteer readers (part of the “Connecting Through Reading the Earthquake” association) on January 22nd. This event aims to shed light on the personal stories and experiences of those affected by the earthquake.
The exhibition and reading session will run until January 24th at the Kobe City Citizen Welfare Exchange Center, located at 3-1-32 Isogodori, Chuo-ku, Kobe. The reading session will take place in the Exchange Hall on the first floor from 12:15 to 12:50 on January 22nd.
This commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake has prompted various events throughout Kobe. Despite the desire to avoid such disasters, the unpredictability of major earthquakes, like the Nankai Trough earthquake, remains a looming concern. Recent investigations and emergency response preparations have heightened awareness and readiness for such events.
Participating in the photo exhibition and reading session can serve as a poignant reminder to reconsider disaster preparedness measures. The events offer an opportunity to reflect on the past and contemplate steps toward building a more resilient and prepared community.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 16, 2025 8:01 am