The role of local government in emergency planning and leading recovery is big in Japan. The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes a year and in 2011, the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami resulted in over 22,000 people dead or missing and 470,000 left without a home.

Fortunately, UK councils rarely have to deal with disasters of such a magnitude. But, our roles as Category 1 first responders are just as vital in assisting the response, supporting communities and leading recovery.