The Great East Japan Earthquake: Two Years Later

NEWSWEB THE GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: TWO YEARS LATER The Great East Japan Earthquake devastated Japan and triggered a terrible Nuclear Power plant disaster. Two years later, the results from a survey provides insight into how well people are coping since the disaster, and how effective the rebuilding process has been. 2 NOT THERE YET: RECONSTRUCTION PROGRESS How quickly is the earthquake reconstruction progressing in your area? IWATE 1% TOTAL AVERAGE MIYAGI 12% A1 Faster then expected A2 As fast as expected FUKUSHIMA 59% 29% A3 Slower then expected A4 Not progressing at all BY PREFECTURE 0.3% 1.3% 0.6% 14% 14% 22% 56% 51% 68% 30% 34% IWATE MIYAGI FUKUSHIMA Do you want to return to the area? TOTAL AVERAGE A1 I've already returned & will stay here 16% 24% A2 to return and stay there 19% A3 I've already returned but will leave A4 I want to return but cannot 40% A5 I don't want to return 2% BY PREFECTURE 10% 19% 24% 18% 28% 19% 17% 23% 18% 33% 33% 52% 1% 2% IWATE 2% MIYAGI FUKUSHIMA What are the biggest problems delaying the progress? 53% 33% 23% 20% 18% 17% 11% HOUSE EMBANKMENTI POPULATION DECONTAMIN - ATION ROAD/ INFRASTRUC - TURE SHOPPING/ TSUNAMI DEBRIS FISHING PORT BUSINESS DISTRICT Despite massive amounts of government funding, 90% of residents still feel that the earthquake reconstruction process is progressing slower then desired. So far, many people are unable to return to the area. THE SHIFTING TIDES OF FAMILY TIES How has the earthquake affected family relationships? 22% 1ST YEAR 19% OYEAR 14% 13% 11% 13% 13% 7% 7% 3% 3% Not as close Certain subjects more taboo Considering divorce Less Less time More conversation spent together arguments 1 in 6 respondents have noticed that their relationships with family members have deteriorated since the earthquake. SATISFACTION WITH WORK How has your family's primary earmer's satisfaction with work changed since the earthquake? How has your income changed since the earthquake and Nuclear power accident? Higher 9% 8% Making more About the same 36% 41% Making the same 15% Making 25% less Lower 56% 19% Making half 8% Making 75% less 8% Total loss of income Despite an overall decline in income and job satisfaction since the earthquake, there is an increase in available jobs that have to do with reconstruction. EFFECTS ON HEALTH What health problems have you noticed arose since the earthquake or nuclear accident? 40 1ST YEAR 35 t6% 2ND YEAR 30 48 - 64 YRS OLD (2ND YEAR) 25 20 6% 15 +9% 10 A2 A10 A1 Less sleep A6 Lack of motivation A2 Depression A7 Increased blood pressure A3 Increased alcohol/tabacco consumption A8 Weight loss АЧ Reliance on medication A9 Reliance on external care A5 Decreased mobility A18 Other 70% of all people affected by the earthquake report to have 1 or more health problems. In the 2nd year since the earthquake, 1 in 3 people experienced a decline in health compared to the 1st year, particularly the working population, who are feeling a notable increase in stress. http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/2013shinsai/ Copyright NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) All rights reserved. % of people