Heavy rain in western Japan for 2 years 70% of residents move in, such as temporary housing, where “interchange frequency has decreased”

Heavy rain in western Japan 2 years “Interchange frequency has decreased” 70% of residents such as temporary housing responded 23:28 on July 4

k10012496971_202007042324_202007042324.mp4

Two years before the heavy rain in western Japan, which left over 250 people dead and missing, NHK conducted a questionnaire survey on the victims of Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi, and Ehime prefectures in 4 prefectures. Approximately 70% of the people who live in the area said that they less frequently interact with local people and friends. Experts point out, "Many people are becoming more lonely and it is necessary to consider how to proceed with monitoring activities while taking measures to prevent infection with the new coronavirus."

From May to last month, NHK conducted a questionnaire targeting over 11,000 victims in the four prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi, and Ehime, and received responses from 3540 people (32%).

When asked if there was a change in the frequency of interacting with local people and friends compared to before the heavy rain, 11% were "increased", 48% were "unchanged", and 38 were "decreased". %was.

On the other hand, if you look at about 450 people who continue to live in temporary housing, etc., “increased” was 5%, “no change” was 25%, “decreased” was 69%, and the proportion of “decreased” was It has increased 1.8 times.

In the four prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Ehime, and Yamaguchi, the total number of people who have temporarily lived in temporary housing such as temporary housing reached 4553 people as of the 24th of last month, but due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the exchange event between residents was canceled. It has been pointed out that the situation in which people tend to become isolated is continuing, with many cases occurring in various locations.

Regarding the results of the survey, Kazuhiko Amano, a specially appointed professor at Fukushima University, who assisted residents living in temporary housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear accident, said, ``As with Fukushima, many people are deeply lonely and tough. It should be taken as a number," and said, "Because the spread of the new coronavirus has spread, the visit and monitoring activities are no longer possible. Carefully listen to it on the phone, wear face shield, etc. It is necessary to consider taking a visit and taking a short time."

"Connecting with people is important"

Of the victims in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, as of the end of last month, approximately 2,800 people have been living in temporary housing.

90% of them are "minami temporary", and they are distributed in 7 cities and towns such as Okayama City and Soja City, which are adjacent to Kurashiki City.

Of these, Yuriko Inoue (70) lives alone in a “minami temporary” condominium in Soja City because her home in Mabi-cho was flooded and destroyed.

I thought about rebuilding my home, but I gave up because I was old and could not afford it.

My husband died 17 years ago and lives apart from my daughter's family.

Immediately after the heavy rain, I was also participating in a gathering of residents in Mabi-cho, but when I saw the acquaintances rebuilding their houses one after another, I felt lonely and felt lonely and gradually moved away.

What struck me was the spread of the new coronavirus.

Inoue-san tended to stay at home except for shopping, and because of mental anxiety she could hardly sleep at night, and sleeping pills became indispensable.

We decided to move into the disaster public housing to be built in Mabi-cho last month, but we are planning to move in next April, and we will continue living for the time being.

Mr. Inoue said, "The most difficult thing was to lose my house. I feel that connecting with people is important once I am alone. I want to do my best in the hope that I can return to Mabi."

Under the influence of the new Corona

Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, has been conducting monitoring activities since the fall of Otoshito to prevent the isolation of victims living in temporary housing, but the number of visits has dropped significantly due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

In January and February, the total number of visits exceeded 230, but in March when the infection with the new coronavirus spread, it was 52, which was less than a quarter. I learned from interviews with Kurashiki City.

The effects continued after that, with 86 cases in April and 51 cases in May.

Kurashiki City responds by increasing the number of telephone calls, but the problem is that it is not possible to grasp detailed information such as the facial expressions of the victims and the smell of the room.

Masamitsu Yamashita, Deputy Director of the Kurashiki Mabi Support Center, which is engaged in monitoring activities, said, “Most of the victims are elderly people who are at high risk of infection, but also worried about the risk of isolation. I think we need some ingenuity."

Expert "I'm worried about the case of lonely death"

After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear accident, Kazuhiko Amano, a specially appointed professor at Fukushima University who helped victims living in temporary housing, said, “I feel that as many people as Fukushima are lonely. I've seen cases of lonely death due to worsening chronic illness and depression, so that is my biggest concern."

In addition, regarding the new coronavirus accelerating isolation, "It has become more and more difficult. Until now, you could see with your eyes or by using your sense of smell, but you could watch with your five senses. It is no longer possible. You should also consider taking a timely phone call carefully and taking thorough measures such as wearing a face shield and visiting in a short time." ..