Local radio station in the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake

When the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake occurred, we were broadcasting at AM Kobe radio station. It was 16 minutes after the commencement of the broadcasting on that day. There was deadly destruction not only of the building but also of old records and CDs, which were treasures of the radio station.

We began the broadcasting again in 16 minutes and began to receive personal safety reports and broadcast the safety information. More than 20,000 pieces of information were collected in total. This was the service people sought after in the earthquake. Downtown, a big fire occurred and expanded by being swept by strong wind from the east. After the earthquake, some staff went out and carried out an outside broadcast so as to be involved exclusively in refugee guidance from the fire.

We recognized that we could do something important by cooperating together, though each human being alone is nothing but a trivial entity. Our trial for making up the disaster prevention network between and in the local communities is progressing.

-Student's impressions-

Through this seminar, I was able to learn of the importance of radio broadcasting in the earthquake. Listening to the past broadcasting, I spontaneously recalled a vivid recollection of the earthquake to mind. It is certain that many refugees were helped by radio broadcasting.

I realized that I was forgetting about the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake little by little. This seminar was a nice opportunity for me to keep it in my mind.