Survey of the Activities of Refugees During and After Niigataken Chuetsu-oki Earthquake

摘要

There is a serious risk of casualties during a severe earthquake if people fail to act promptly by picking up infants, moving away from furniture that could fall, etc. Another vital task is the storing of water for daily needs before water mains are blocked. Thus, individuals who sought refuge after the Niigataken Chuetsu-oki Earthquake were surveyed on their activities during the actual quake event and over several days afterward. Results suggested that the residents of dwellings assessed as safe in post-quake quick inspections had not actually taken any quick actions, indicating that they found it difficult to move away from collapsing furniture or other hazards. Respondents also admitted that they had not taken action to store water or provide for other daily needs. It was considered that lessons had not been learned from the Niigataken Chuetsu Earthquake, which had occurred 3 years previously.