Communication service continuity under a large-scale disaster: Providing a wireless multihop network and shelter communication service for a disaster area under the Great East Japan Earthquake

The Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami caused severe disruptions in the functioning of telecommunication systems as well as power supply systems in the wide area of East Japan. Those in the disaster area had no way or difficulties to communicate after the occurrence of the earthquakes for a few days, weeks, or even a few months. While telecom´s disaster recovery was performed on the best-effort basis with limited resources, it is necessary to explore a new approach where communication quality during disaster recovery should be guaranteed in some form, meeting communication needs for those in the disaster area. For this goal, two key concepts, that is, the shelter communication service and trans-locatable design are proposed. These concepts were applied to the disaster recovery in Higashi-Matsushima City on the occasion of the great East Earthquake. The lessons learned through this experience are presented.