A Fundamental Vulnerability: Contributions from Population Studies

Individual disaster recovery: A framework in the long-term recovery process after the Great East Japan Earthquake

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the effectiveness of the city disaster prevention, mitigation, response, recovery, and rehabilitation practices of the local governments in Metro Manila, Philippines.Design/methodology/approachBased on purposive sampling technique, descriptive-evaluative and comparative research designs were adopted to assess the effectiveness of local governments in implementing the four thematic areas: (1) disaster preparedness, (2) disaster prevention and mitigation, (3) disaster response, and (4) disaster recovery and rehabilitation.FindingsThe findings showed that disaster preparedness had the highest grand mean of 3.47, interpreted as effective, in the effectiveness of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Metro Manila. This was followed by disaster response, and disaster recovery and rehabilitation, both with a grand mean of 3.42. Disaster prevention and mitigation received the lowest grand mean of 3.40. The overall grand mean across the four thematic areas was 3.42, also interpreted as effective.Originality/valueThe paper will be valuable to policymakers, legislators, and scholars in effectively implementing their policies and guidelines in disaster management, risk reduction, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Long-term Recovery from Recent Disasters in Japan and the United States

The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami struck Japan on 11 March 2011 leaving more than 400,000 people, including 100,000 children, homeless. These displaced children lived in temporary housing and ‘temporarily’ attended schools, which provided them with professional mental health support after the disaster. This paper highlights the role of disaster mental health support teams from Miyagi Prefecture through a problem reported by one of the schools – the excessive feeding of fish by children who narrowly escaped the tsunami. The support team helped schoolteachers understand the perspective of survivor guilt by facilitating a group discussion among the children and exploring their feelings about the disaster, with a focus on the guilt of leaving their pets behind. The authors demonstrate the role of mental health professionals working with schools to help children resolve negative thoughts and feelings during disaster recovery, including the often-overlooked survivor guilt caused by life-threatening events.

The role of the community is becoming increasingly recognized as a crucial determinant of human health, particularly during a disaster and during disaster recovery. To identify disaster-vulnerable communities, we sought factors related to communities in need of support by using census information from before the Great East Japan Earthquake. We identified vulnerable communities by using a needs-assessment survey conducted 6 to 12 months after the Great East Japan Earthquake in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, as indicated by higher proportions of households with at least 1 of 3 major support needs (medical, elderly, psychological, and dwelling environment). The associations between the need for support and 9 demographic characteristics of the community from census data prior to the Great East Japan Earthquake were examined for 71 communities by use of logistic regression analysis. The need for elderly support was positively associated with the proportions of aged people (odds ratio [OR]=1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-1.8) and one-person households (OR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.0-1.7), whereas the need for psychological support was associated with the proportion of people engaged in agriculture (OR=4.6; 95% CI: 1.0-20.7). The proportion of fisheries was negatively associated with the need for dwelling environment support (OR=0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9). The consideration of simple demographic characteristics from the census may be useful for identifying vulnerable communities and preparing for future disasters.

Disaster recovery requires a vision of the community. This study will introduce the concept of ‘symphonicity’ which can be defined through the use of a 2X2 table. One axis of the table includes voluntary and pre-voluntary type societies corresponding to intentional and unintentional societies, respectively. The other axis includes the traditional distinction between community and association or Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft.” Symphonicity, lies in the voluntary-community cell, which can be realized by moving the society either from voluntary-association or from pre-voluntary-community. However, moving a society from one quadrant to the other requires effort and vision. The authors of this study have been conducting fieldwork in Noda Village, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and have identified two possible tools for community recovery. One is a movement to establish a community-radio-station for which various village groups produce their own program; while the other is “Picturescue” in which volunteers picked up tsunami-damaged photos taken before the tsunami and returned them to the original owners. Our participant observations revealed that these two activities motivated the survivors toward Symphonicity: community-radio led survivors to establish a sense of community with local pride, while Picturescue reminded survivors of the community before the disaster, further reinforcing their rationale for choosing to remain in the community. The socio-psychological and practical implications for utilizing such tools for recovery are discussed.

Aim/Purpose: This study explores the challenges encountered and coping strategies employed by women survivors of Super Typhoon Rai in Cebu, Philippines, aiming to shed light on their lived experiences and resilience. Introduction/Background: Disasters, influenced by both regional and global factors, cause widespread destruction, economic disruption, and profound psychological and social impacts, particularly among women. Although disasters do not choose their victims, women are often more vulnerable during these events, yet their experiences and roles are frequently overlooked. Given the growing number of typhoons in the Philippines, more studies are needed to examine how individuals cope with their lives following each storm. In particular, exploring the experiences of women after disasters is essential, as it can provide valuable insights into their unique vulnerabilities and resilience. These factors have led to this study, which explored the lives of the victims of Typhoon Rai. Additionally, how participants managed to rebuild their lives after the typhoon was investigated. Methodology: A qualitative approach–specifically hermeneutic phenomenology–was adopted in this study to explore the lived experiences among women when facing disaster, particularly typhoons, and their efforts to rebuild after the disaster. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with ten women, five from a rural area and five from an urban area, all of whom had experienced this disaster. Purposive sampling was used to select them based on specific criteria related to their experiences. Semi-structured interviews were the primary method of data collection. Thematic analysis was then applied to identify key themes and produce a coherent report. The focus of the study was participants' perspectives, highlighting the emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of their recovery. To ensure validity of the findings, the data was reviewed by a content analyst, and the participants were invited to validate the results. Findings: The challenges and coping strategies of Typhoon Rai survivors were examined, focusing on the disaster's aftermath and recovery. Key challenges included social chain disruptions of basic services such as food, water, and shelter, as well as psychological distress, and social fragmentation. Ineffective government disaster response exacerbated logistical challenges, while mental health struggles such as trauma and anxiety were widespread. Social fragmentation hindered recovery, as feelings of isolation and lack of community support prolonged the rebuilding process. In this regard, women survivors reported various coping strategies, with faith-based coping being central to emotional stability and hope. Cultivating an optimistic mindset, emotional catharsis through sharing struggles, and social support networks also played crucial roles in recovery. The study highlights the need for better disaster response systems, equitable resource distribution, and mental health support. Strengthening community bonds and promoting coping strategies like spirituality, optimism, and social support are essential for comprehensive recovery and disaster preparedness. Contribution/Impact on Society: This study provides new insights into the importance of comprehensive disaster management that addresses not only physical needs, but also psychological well-being, as well as gender-sensitive disaster management and recovery initiatives. This work addresses gaps in the existing literature and offers innovative perspectives that can stimulate further inquiry and discussion. This research may serve as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners alike, and spark meaningful dialogue within the academic community. Recommendations: A multi-pronged approach is essential to support recovery efforts, starting with immediate interventions such as stress debriefing sessions and the mobilization of mental health professionals to provide psychological aid. Local government units must streamline disaster response systems to ensure the timely delivery of resources and financial assistance, with training for government workers to address the psychological needs of survivors for a compassionate response. Faith-based practices, such as prayer, meditation, and religious community involvement, can offer survivors emotional stability and resilience during difficult times. Cultivating an optimistic mindset is also crucial, as focusing on hope and small victories can foster perseverance. Emotional catharsis, allowing individuals to express their emotions, is important for relieving stress and promoting healing. Lastly, social support from family, friends, and the community plays a pivotal role, providing a sense of belonging and encouragement. By integrating these strategies, communities can build resilience and a stronger foundation for recovery. Research Limitation: The study's use of phenomenology, while effective for capturing personal experiences, limited the ability to make broad generalizations, as the findings were subjective and context-specific. With a small sample size of ten women, the study may not fully represent the broader population of Typhoon Rai survivors, and overlooks the experiences of men or other marginalized groups. Moreover, it was conducted in two areas of Cebu; thus, the findings may not reflect the diverse perspectives of other regions or countries affected by similar disasters. External factors, such as the ongoing recovery process and government responses, may have also influenced the findings, and participants’ emotional states during their interviews may have impacted their responses. Future Research: Future research could employ a broader focus to include men or LGBTQ+ individuals, as these groups may encounter distinct challenges during disaster recovery. While the study highlights women's experiences, it's crucial to explore how gender and sexual orientation affect coping strategies and recovery for other marginalized groups. Men may struggle with cultural expectations around masculinity, hindering their ability to express vulnerability or seek help. LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination, social stigma, or exclusion from support networks, potentially leading to heightened psychological distress during recovery.

This retrospective study investigated the 3-year impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) of 2011 on deaths due to neoplasm, heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and senility among older adults in the primarily affected prefectures compared with other prefectures, previous investigations having been more limited as regards mortality causes and geographic areas. Using death certificates issued between 2006 and 2015 (n = 7,383,253), mortality rates (MRs) and risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using a linear mixed model with the log-transformed MR as the response variable. The model included interactions between the area category and each year of death from 2010 to 2013. The RRs in the interaction significantly increased to 1.13, 1.17, and 1.28 for deaths due to stroke, pneumonia, and senility, respectively, in Miyagi Prefecture in 2011, but did not significantly increase for any of the other areas affected by the GEJE. Moreover, increased RRs were not reported for any of the other years. The risk of death increased in 2011; however, this was only significant for single-year impact. In 2013, decreased RRs of pneumonia in the Miyagi and Iwate prefectures and of senility in Fukushima Prefecture were observed. Overall, we did not find evidence of strong associations between the GEJE and mortality.

Lay Health Workers can play a pivotal role in improving disaster response and recovery because of their potential effectiveness in enhancing the overall health of their communities, increasing disaster preparedness, supplementing the efforts of disaster responders, and building relationships of trust among all interested parties. Such activities build social capital and significantly enhance community resiliency in anticipation of future disasters. Although there are a number of different types of lay health workers, the version with the greatest potential in this area is the Community Health Worker (CHW). Recent research findings confirm that CHWs serving in the communities where they live have been beneficial in emergency management planning and disaster recovery, following both natural and technological disasters. When properly trained, they constitute a proven strategy for timely interventions aimed at reducing long-term collective trauma and building social capital. In this paper, we elaborate the characteristics and roles of CHWs as a specific type of lay health worker; review research on the utility of CHWs in health care generally, as well as in the area of emergency management; describe their potential for building social capital and enhancing community resilience; and provide an overview of essential training needed to prepare them to participate in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. We conclude with some suggestions for future research.

Devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown on March 11, 2011, Japan’s Tohoku coast has been in the process of disaster recovery for almost a decade. Several international frameworks for disaster risk reduction and sustainable development have also been established during this time. Sharing a holistic approach to comprehensive development principles linking risk reduction, disaster recovery, and development, these three international frameworks are the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2020, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 2015-2030, and the New Urban Agenda. Although each has its own distinct focus, approach, and connection to disaster recovery, the three frameworks share explicit connections and relationships. This paper considers how the first decade of recovery after the GEJE can be evaluated based on the goals and targets from the frameworks in support of people-centered development. After outlining each framework, and exploring the mutual connections between them, aspects relevant to recovery from each are applied to consider issues and progress of housing recovery after the GEJE. Synthesizing multiple aims and goals from the three frameworks relevant to housing recovery creates a more comprehensive tool for evaluation that can identify which goals have been partially or completely achieved. Yet even with the convergence of their respective goals, achieving the overall shared aim of holistic, equitable, and people-centered recovery for all still requires more coordination and consideration of practical applications beyond frameworks. Keywords: housing recovery; Great East Japan Earthquake; Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction; SDGs; New Urban Agenda

Changing environmental conditions are creating conditions that are leading to an increasing number of disasters. University libraries are at risk of impact from these disasters. The nature of library collections and services is highly intertwined with the physical spaces within the institutions. Thus, the consequences of these disasters have a significant effect on the knowledge ecosystem. Epistemological theories have rarely been explored and yet are important theoretical foundations to frame disaster recovery activities. Traditionally disaster management and recovery have lacked theoretical frameworks and been operationally focused. Approaches have been based on a rationalist framing of the problem and a presumption that there is a justified truth belief that the previous state is the ideal state. In this article, the nature of knowledge through three epistemological approaches is explored and tested on two case studies. Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) and the Australian National University (Australia) are used to assess the operational and epistemological issues of disaster recovery. The paper reflects on challenges to the role of the library and the application of epistemological theories to learn lessons for future approaches to disaster recovery. It poses questions about how libraries can take the opportunity to rethink in the digital environment.

On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced an earthquake of magnitude 9-9.1, called the Great East Japan Earthquake, with a subsequent giant tsunami, which caused massive damage to the Tohoku region Pacific coast (Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures), and a nuclear accident that occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Disaster-related deaths occurred mainly in the elderly, and more than half of the disaster-related deaths occurred in Fukushima prefecture, where the nuclear accident occurred. During the first 2 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the suicide standard mortality ratio (SMR) in the three affected prefectures decreased. Three years after the disaster, however, the suicide SMR rose to the pre-disaster level in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures and exceeded the suicide SMR before the disaster in Fukushima prefecture. Mental health service providers for disasters should keep in mind that suicide rates can eventually increase after a disaster, even if they initially decrease.

Local performing arts and recovery from the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami: A descriptive qualitative study

The Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and resulting tsunami of March 11, 2011 gave rise to devastating damage on the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region. The Tohoku Medical Megabank Project (TMM), which is being conducted by Tohoku University Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) and Iwate Medical University Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (IMM), has been launched to realize creative reconstruction and to solve medical problems in the aftermath of this disaster. We started two prospective cohort studies in Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures: a population-based adult cohort study, the TMM Community-Based Cohort Study (TMM CommCohort Study), which will recruit 80 000 participants, and a birth and three-generation cohort study, the TMM Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study (TMM BirThree Cohort Study), which will recruit 70 000 participants, including fetuses and their parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family members. The TMM CommCohort Study will recruit participants from 2013 to 2016 and follow them for at least 5 years. The TMM BirThree Cohort Study will recruit participants from 2013 to 2017 and follow them for at least 4 years. For children, the ToMMo Child Health Study, which adopted a cross-sectional design, was also started in November 2012 in Miyagi Prefecture. An integrated biobank will be constructed based on the two prospective cohort studies, and ToMMo and IMM will investigate the chronic medical impacts of the GEJE. The integrated biobank of TMM consists of health and clinical information, biospecimens, and genome and omics data. The biobank aims to establish a firm basis for personalized healthcare and medicine, mainly for diseases aggravated by the GEJE in the two prefectures. Biospecimens and related information in the biobank will be distributed to the research community. TMM itself will also undertake genomic and omics research. The aims of the genomic studies are: 1) to construct an integrated biobank; 2) to return genomic research results to the participants of the cohort studies, which will lead to the implementation of personalized healthcare and medicine in the affected areas in the near future; and 3) to contribute the development of personalized healthcare and medicine worldwide. Through the activities of TMM, we will clarify how to approach prolonged healthcare problems in areas damaged by large-scale disasters and how useful genomic information is for disease prevention.

The Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami caused severe disruptions in the functioning of telecommunication systems as well as power supply systems in the wide area of East Japan. Those in the disaster area had no way or difficulties to communicate after the occurrence of the earthquakes for a few days, weeks, or even a few months. While telecom's disaster recovery was performed on the best-effort basis with limited resources, it is necessary to explore a new approach where communication quality during disaster recovery should be guaranteed in some form, meeting communication needs for those in the disaster area. For this goal, two key concepts, that is, the shelter communication service and trans-locatable design are proposed. These concepts were applied to the disaster recovery in Higashi-Matsushima City on the occasion of the great East Earthquake. The lessons learned through this experience are presented.