An NHK survey has found that many respondents living in northeastern Japan, which was struck by the 2011 massive earthquake and tsunami, are calling for the government to step up efforts to restore lifeline services in the event of future natural disasters.



NHK conducted its online survey between February 7 and 14, ahead of the 14th anniversary of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.



The survey questioned people 18 years old or older, living along the coast of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, as well as in areas where evacuation orders were issued following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.



One-thousand people responded.



They were asked about what the government should focus on to prepare for future disasters, based on their experiences. Multiple answers were allowed.



Forty-four percent wanted the restoration of lifelines such as water and electricity, and 29.2 percent considered tsunami evacuation measures to be important.



While 24.1 percent chose living conditions and management of evacuation facilities as priorities, 23.5 percent placed importance on quake-resistant houses and furniture, and 21 percent said authorities should provide swift and accurate information.



A man in his 70s, who lives in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, said the 2011 disaster forced him to endure living without electricity for a month, and water service, which was cut off for one week.



University of Hyogo Professor Kimura Reo is an expert on psychology in relation to disasters.



Kimura said people across the country are voicing concerns about road cave-ins and other problems caused by aging infrastructure. He said such concerns are also based on lessons learned from disasters, including the 2024 powerful earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan.



The professor indicated that the survey results may reflect people's strong desire for the government to respond better immediately after disasters.