While lying inside a donated
sleeping bag on the floor of Narita Airport last night, I was caused to reflect
on the similarities between two tragedies. The feeling of uncertainty and
helplessness were evident after both the March 11, 2011 earthquake, its subsequent
tsunami, and Tokyo’s recent reaction to the direct hit of Typhoon fifteen. The atmosphere
was eerily nostalgic.
In both cases, transportation and
communication systems were disrupted, causing immediate confusion, panic, and
frustration. Highways were closed forcing jams and trapping people in their
cars for hours, flights were canceled and rerouted, and phone lines and
internet were diminished by over demand.
Taxis traveled all night to
receive exorbitant fares on routes typically requiring less than two hours to
complete. Available trains and buses were packed full while thousands lined up
uncertain of future availability nor aware of how to actually book tickets.
(Japanese customers accessed reservations online and used prepaid passes called
Suica to board trains and buses. Tourists had to purchase tickets.)
Let’s consider the reactions of
the Japanese Airport Authorities who faced the problems at Narita Airport. How
did the airport authorities deal with the thirteen thousand stranded passengers
whose communication options were limited with minimal choices to travel into
Tokyo?
(Please note, Narita
International Airport is also known as the New Tokyo International Airport but is
located in Chiba Prefecture approximately 60 kilometers east of Central Tokyo.)
The typhoon refugees at Narita
Airport were provided sleeping bags, water, and some snacks. This was
impressive as the items appeared to materialize out of thin air. Just as
inspiring was the civil conduct of the vast majority of the people facing a
night on the public facility’s floor while surrounded by thousands of
strangers.
People kindly shared available information about transportation and
places where one might secure food. Conversations were mostly upbeat, and
polite action seemed to be the default. People disposed of their trash and left
washrooms as neat and clean as possible.
The problem at Narita was simply
the lack of available data for foreign travelers who were not privy to Japanese
announcements, signage, and online reports.
The essential direction regarding
bus and train departures and the available taxi services was sadly lacking. Few
tourists knew about the luggage courier services available at reasonable rates
at the airport. The definition of disruption is "change without
preparation," and it was actualized at Narita Airport.
I’m home and comfortable after
riding overcrowded trains in the company of exhausted travelers and business
commuters inconvenienced by our unexpected appearance. I’ve completed a
much-needed shave and shower and am feeling gratified to have the opportunity
to experience life as an expatriate in Kawasaki.
The Japanese often listen to
criticism and make necessary adjustments over time. I’m sure the next time a
typhoon requires thousands to sleep overnight at Narita Airport the essential announcements
with key data will be shared in multiple languages.
Two other takeaways: I need to
check weather reports before flying, and I’m not the only one who snores.
