Disaster Information System from Communication Traffic Analysis and Connectivity (Quick Report from Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11th, 2011)

Abstract

On March 11, 2011, a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan causing damage with blackouts, fire, tsunami and nuclear plant crisis. A devastating tsunami swept over cities and farmland in the northern part of the country and set off warnings as far away the west coast of the United States and South America. Recorded as 9.0 on the Richter scale, it was the most powerful quake ever to hit the country. This paper is the report of communication traffic analysis and connectivity in Iwate Prefectural University located in middle area of Iwate prefecture in Japan after quake was hit. Although network conditions were not enough to held multimedia communication and many network machines were damaged, mail and SNS services were possible to use under the conditions. Moreover, the activity in the university at the disaster and future requirements for disaster information system is discussed.