Abstract for: Systems Analysis of the Impacts of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on Energy Supply System in Kamaishi-City

The Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami hit coastal cities in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures of Tohoku Region devastating the energy supply system in the region. Electricity and fuel shortages caused severe problems in the city of Kamaishi varying from lack of mobility, communication, heating to reduced health conditions. This paper, aims to analyze the impacts of the earthquake and the tsunami on local energy supply system in Kamaishi City by; i) clarifying what energy services were in need when there was a shortage in energy supply right after the disasters by performing semi- structured interviews; and ii) identifying and analyzing causes and effects of the energy supply shortage at local level when the disasters occurred by applying systems thinking approach and causal loop diagramming methodology. Suggested alternative potential measures in tackling energy supply shortages and in preparing future disaster risk reduction plans are expected to be use of policy makers