Kiyoko Yanagihara
Kanazawa University, Japan
Title: Creating a map of areas with disaster vulnerability for evacuation support for senior citizens: A study of river flooding disasters in City A, a mid-sized city in Japan
Biography
Biography: Kiyoko Yanagihara
Abstract
Earthquakes, typhoons, and river floods in Japan, which is called a leading nation for natural disasters. While hazard maps and rosters for people vulnerable to disasters have been created as countermeasures, their use is insufficient, so these disasters are causing many casualties. Most of these victims are senior citizens, and evacuation support for people vulnerable to disasters is a pressing matter in Japan
This study specifies areas that are especially vulnerable to disasters, and visualizes them on a map as a useful tool. The following indicators were noted for disaster vulnerability in individual regions: (i) hazards, (ii) the number of senior citizens vulnerable to disaster, and (iii) family structure, i.e., the direct number of supporters.
The subject is located in the river basin of city A in Hokuriku region. The analysis was performed by quantifying the disaster situation with geospatial information, confirming where and how dementia patients and persons needing long-term care live, and understanding the household composition of the district. The factors mentioned above were considered in mapping the disaster vulnerability of areas prone to river floods.
Japan is building community-based integrated care systems as its birth rate falls, its population ages, and its population declines further. In order to protect senior citizens from natural disasters, disaster relief needs to be incorporated into these systems.
In other words, it is crucial to enhance capabilities for mutual aid within the local area in times of disaster. In such cases, the map of areas vulnerable to disaster can be used.