Editorial

15:47 JST, December 11, 2024

Disaster-related deaths, in which people survive a disaster but lose their lives due to physical or mental health problems later on, can surely be reduced by taking measures against such deaths. It is hoped that society as a whole will strengthen its preparedness.

After the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, 247 people were recognized as cases of disaster-related deaths, as they died due to such causes as the worsening of chronic illnesses and the strain of unfamiliar daily life of an evacuee. This figure exceeded the number of deaths caused by direct damage from the earthquake, such as collapsed houses and tsunami.

Eighty percent of the disaster-related deaths were among people aged 80 or older. Other regions are at similar risk. How to protect the elderly after a disaster can be said to be a serious issue.

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