Disabled people accounted for 24.6 percent of total “disaster-related deaths” in the northeastern prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi, far above their 7 percent representation among the population as a whole estimated by the health ministry.
Around 60 percent of local government buildings across Japan were not equipped with emergency power supplies lasting 72 hours, a crucial time frame in saving human lives during times of disaster, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Thursday.
“It is not unusual to find emergency shelters equipped only with traditional squat toilets, which can be difficult to impossible to use for disabled people and elderly evacuees with leg and hip problems.”
“The designation is made for extraordinary and very severe disasters that destroy or damage a great number of houses and disrupt transport and vital services in wide areas so that impacts on afflicted individuals and businesses are minimized.”
“The Deputy Director of the Tokyo Fire Department, Hirofumi Shimizu apologized, saying, “I ’m sorry. I ’ll confirm the cause and try to prevent recurrence and restore trust.”
“Chiba City has opened a “welfare evacuation room” for the disabled and elderly in the City Harmony Plaza (Chibaji-cho, Chuo-ku).”
“The government’s earthquake research headquarters has redesigned the national earthquake prediction map in attempt to make it easier for people with color blindness; a condition that affects approximately three million people in Japan, to understand.”
“OSAKA — More than 80% of municipalities in three western Japan prefectures that saw high casualties in last summer’s torrential rain disaster have since failed to update or review the way they implement assisted evacuation lists for residents that would have difficulty fleeing on their own, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, a Mainichi Shimbun survey has shown.”
“The decision comes after the ministry’s survey following the deadly torrential rains in western Japan and the earthquake that caused a complete blackout in Hokkaido last year found that more than 100 of the hospitals do not meet either of the criteria.”
“Training to open a “welfare shelter” that accepts victims who need assistance such as disabled people when a disaster occurs was held in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture on the 17th March. Approximately 40 people, including nine visually impaired people and city and center staff, participated in the training conducted at the Shiga Prefectural Center for the Visually Impaired in Hikone City.”
