Kumamoto One month from record heavy rains Thoughts from the questionnaire August 3 7:39

A year before the record damage caused by heavy rainfall in Kumamoto Prefecture and other areas, a month ago, NHK conducted a questionnaire survey of the 100 people affected by the disaster. We answered that the new coronavirus has an impact on the rebuilding of our lives. Many voiced the lack of human resources such as volunteers, which highlighted the fact that the spread of infection hinders recovery and rebuilding of lives.

At the end of last month, NHK conducted a questionnaire survey of 104 people affected by disasters in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kuma Village, Sakamoto Town, Yatsushiro City, and Ashikita Town, which were severely damaged by record heavy rain. ..

Among them, when asked if the new coronavirus had an effect on evacuation life or reconstruction of life, 32% of the respondents answered that it "had some impact" or "somewhat".

When asked about the specific impact with multiple answers, the largest percentage was 39%, who said they lacked manpower such as volunteers.

On the other hand, about 60% of the volunteers from outside the prefecture, which are currently being banned to prevent the spread of infection, answered that they should not accept it.

In addition, as the effects of the new coronavirus, there were responses such as "inconvenience of living in an evacuation center" and "difficult to receive support from family and acquaintances", and concerns about spread of infection hinder recovery and reconstruction. The actual situation is highlighted.

More than half want to continue living

In addition, when asked about the damage situation at home in the questionnaire, 46% of respondents answered "total destruction", 32% of "floor inundation", 12% of "partially damaged", 6% of "underfloor inundation", Half-broken was 5%.

After that, when asked if they would continue to live in the place where they lived before the disaster, 64% of people answered that they would live or plan to live. I answered that I want to continue living.

As reasons for this, there were voices such as "I have attachment to the place where I was born and raised" and "I do not want to break the connection with the community", as well as voices such as "There is no place to go" and "There is no money to move to old age". It was.

On the other hand, 16% of all respondents answered that they were "moving" or considering moving because of "anxiety about another similar disaster occurring again."

In addition, 19% of the respondents are wondering if they do not know whether they will continue to live, and the questionnaire shows the complex emotions of the disaster victims, who are swaying between feelings about the area they are used to and anxiety about the disaster. I will.

A ramen shop owner in Hitoyoshi City who wants to stay even if damaged

Masakatsu Harada (78) from Hitoyoshi City replied in a questionnaire that he wanted to stay in the same place even if he was heavily damaged by heavy rain.

Mr. Harada has been running a ramen shop that doubles as a home for 28 years, and has run it alone.

Harada was sleeping on the first floor in the early morning of the 4th of last month when the Kuma River flooded, but he jumped up to the second floor immediately after rushing to the water that entered the building.

When I saw through the window that the vending machine outside was completely submerged in water, I climbed through the exhaust vent and climbed up to the rooftop, where I managed to escape.

Mr. Harada feels the danger of his life, but he wants to restart the ramen shop at this place.

Because I have a strong desire to live in this place.

The first floor, where the shop used to be, was completely flooded and we had to borrow money to refurbish and re-cook cookware.

Even so, he says that this place, which has been operating for many years, has the support of the most important people.

Mr. Harada said, "The moms at the inn and snacks introduce my store to the customers and bring them to the store. Then the tourists come to us and say, "Do your best until you come again." I have that kind of personality."

Mr. Harada, 78 years old.

I am worried that even if the store is rebuilt, tourists will return as before or if the same flood damage will occur again, but I want to show the local people and tourists a fresh start I think.

Mr. Harada said, “Hitoyoshi has a lot of attachment, and I would like to give back to what I was allowed to eat here. First, if I raised the flag of resumption, I felt that everyone would do my best to rebuild, Hitoyoshi I think that the town will be activated."