災害被災者の心の救済、より鮮明に　　気ままなリライト１０３

災害関連死防止へ対策　政府、今年度内めど - 日本経済新聞

Reflecting on past tragedies, such as the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, where post-disaster deaths exceeded 2,000, a stark contrast to the initial earthquake fatalities numbering just 50, the government launched an expert panel in August to address the issue of the post-disaster mortality. This group engaged in intensive discussions on the effectiveness of various strategies to support survivors in navigating the chaotic aftermath of a disaster. They highlighted the importance of broader structural, logistical, and coordinated efforts taken by the government and local municipalities in the disaster-stricken regions. They underscored how pivotal those interventions are in providing evacuees with stability, control, and hope during extended periods of displacement. The panel also pondered how far collective efforts could go in shaping the choices of survivors, guiding them to reduce risks associated with post-disaster situations when the effectiveness of such efforts hinges on the willingness and engagement of survivors themselves.

Recognizing the critical importance of community-based collaborative efforts in addressing post-disaster challenges, the expert panel proposed specific interventions. Those included setting up and championing distribution hubs aimed at aiding survivors outside shelters for essential supplies like food, water, medicine and portable toilets. Those hubs would double as community centers, where health updates on those survivors are shared with visiting healthcare professionals. The hubs would also provide free counseling services, addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of survivors keeping a distance from shelters, steering them towards more constructive coping methods.

The panel emphasized the profound impact of a survivor's mindset on their post-disaster experiences and choices. A lack of psychological resilience, often nurtured by a growth mindset, led to decisions that compromised their safety and well-being in the disaster's aftermath. Feelings of loss, trauma, and despair were rampant, with the uncertainty of extended shelter stays intensifying their distress. This uncertainty prompted some survivors, particularly those valuing their autonomy, to remain in their damaged houses. The emotional toll continued to mount for evacuees, compounded by concerns about the long-term effects of their upheaved lives. Overwhelmed, many resorted to denial as a coping mechanism, shielding themselves form the full emotional impact of the disaster and avoiding confronting harsh realities. In the areas hit by the Kumamoto Earthquake, a yearning for familiarity and comfort made many survivors choose their wrecked houses or cars over shelters, which they perceived as overly congested, noisy, or devoid of privacy. Furthermore, a significant portion of evacuees downplayed associated health and safety risks, such as the dangers of blood circulation problems from staying immobile in vehicles for extended periods and the hazards of staying in partially destroyed houses. Notably, 50.9 % of evacuees made such choices after the Kumamoto Earthquake.

The panel suggested that a growth mindset fostering psychological resilience could reduce post-disaster fatalities. Cultivating such a mindset is more likely to diminish the propensity to engage in harmful behaviors that result in post-disaster deaths. A flexible and adaptable mindset encourages survivors to accept the current reality as the first step in coping with changing scenarios, leaving room for a level of optimism. Those with a resilient mindset are adept at managing their emotions in high-stress situations, allowing them to make well-informed and clear-headed decisions. This reduces reliance on misinformation or misconceptions that could lead to post-disaster casualties. Those individuals are more inclined to confront the prevailing reality with clarity, devoid of denial or misinterpretation. A forward-thinking mindset prioritizes actionable steps over unproductive worry. By viewing adversities as learning opportunities, those with a growth mindset find a meaningful direction even during hardships. Those individuals, characterized by community consciousness and empathy, often rise as community leaders, ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable, thereby decreasing the risk of post-disaster fatalities.