Coordination Strengthened to Create Disaster-resilient Communities
Susono City, Japan, Aug 6, 2015 - (ACN Newswire) - Susono City and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) signed an agreement today to strengthen coordination of disaster aid activities as part of TMC's ongoing commitment to working with local stakeholders to create disaster-resilient communities. Susuno City is home to TMC's Higashi-Fuji Technical Center, a major R&D and testing facility.
At the ceremony to celebrate the signing of the agreement, Kenji Takamura, mayor of Susono City, said: "The possibility of earthquakes originating in the Suruga and Nankai troughs are an ever-present concern for our city. This disaster-support agreement with major companies in our city gives us great peace of mind, and we are truly grateful for it."
Osamu Sadakata, TMC Executive General Manager, stated: "Through this agreement, Toyota is keen to fulfill its role as a local business and cooperate in initiatives to prevent and mitigate the impact of disasters on Susono City. We will provide all possible support in the event of an emergency."
TMC will work with Susono City to provide humanitarian assistance and regional recovery support as outlined below: 1) post-disaster rescue and relief; 2) provision of temporary evacuation sites following a major earthquake; 3) provision of food, drinking water, and other daily necessities; 4) provision of vehicles required for recovery (including hybrid vehicles that can be used as mobile power supplies); 5) cargo handling assistance at Susono City relief supply facilities; 6) provision of land necessary for construction work to repair city infrastructure; 7) assistance in planning local recovery activities.
In addition, TMC will also exchange disaster-related information with the city government to facilitate the smooth implementation of support measures.
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Susono City is at risk of earthquakes originating in the Suruga Trough and Nankai Trough. Consequently, the city is actively engaged in the implementation of measures to prevent and mitigate disasters, in particular providing shelter from tsunamis and improving earthquake resistance. However, since in times of large-scale disasters there are limits to the efficacy of municipal measures, Susono City is encouraging the collaboration of its citizens and local businesses to create a city that is well-prepared for emergencies. Shizuoka Prefecture is also promoting its "Nairiku Frontier" project aiming to build disaster prevention and mitigation as well as regional growth.
As disasters can cause large-scale damage to communities, company operations and supply chains, TMC is reorganizing its business continuity management systems and bolstering its preparedness for potential large-scale natural disasters based on the idea that post-disaster humanitarian support and rapid regional recovery systems are indispensable.
The agreement aligns the aims of TMC and Susono City and, in the event of a large-scale disaster, clearly lays out the form and content of TMC's support for the region in regard to rescue, emergency, and recovery activities. The agreement follows similar agreements made with Toyota City in October 2013, Miyoshi City in February 2014, and Tahara City in March 2015.
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.
Source: Toyota
Contact:
Toyota Motor Corporation Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Tel: +81-3-3817-9926
Copyright 2015 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
