The Effect of Situated Access on People with Disabilities: An Examination of Sheltering and Temporary Housing after the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Abstract

The 11 March 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake and tsunami that devastated coastal communities in three Japanese prefectures resulted in tremendous loss of life, loss of property, and community disruption. Yet research on the disaster pointed to differential impacts for people with disabilities compared to the rest of the population. Reconnaissance fieldwork took place in Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures 3, 10, and 17 months after the disaster. Interviews and observations point to situated access as a contributor to how and to what extent people with disabilities (PWD) received resources and services. That is, the ability of evacuees to acquire and utilize information, material resources, or services was based both on the physical location of the individual or group (including shelter type to where they evacuated) and the social standpoint or circumstances of the individual or group within that physical location. We offer a close examination of the effect of situational access for people with disabilities in particular. Where limitations were present, they often led to additional disparities.

Evacuation Behavior and Fatality Rate during the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake and Tsunami

“…Furthermore, despite the younger communities (less than 18% of the aged population), higher fatalities occurred in the small towns within Ishinomaki City (#74, #75, and #78) and Tagajo City (#88) where topography is flat and the hill area is distant. For that reason, the higher fatality rate in elderly groups depended on the physical difficulties like moving, walking, and driving, and less information received (Brittingham and Wachtendorf 2013). This suggests that there are other factors on fatality, such as evacuation factors related to the age.…”

Addressing the Needs of Children With Disabilities Experiencing Disaster or Terrorism

“…Emerging research suggests that disasters and terrorist acts have differential, and most often negative, consequences for individuals with disabilities. Studies emanating from a range of academic disciplines report barriers and adverse outcomes for people with disabilities during emergency evacuation, sheltering, and recovery [1][2][3][4]. Epidemiological studies also indicate higher exposure and mortality rates for people with disabilities in some disasters [5,6].…”

Benefits and Costs of Earthquake Early Warning

“…Personal preparedness (including drop, cover, and hold on) prevents the most common injuries during an earthquake-those resulting from falling and flying objects-and increases the safety of the population, particularly in schools and public places (Zschau et al, 2009; Earthquake Country Alliance, 2014a). The elderly and persons with disabilities are disproportionally affected by natural disasters and, as such, could most directly benefit from early warnings and a clear preparedness plan (Brittingham and Wachtendorf, 2013; Earthquake Country Alliance, 2014b). Situational awareness provided by EEW allows civil protection authorities advance notice for more rapid and efficient mobilization and adaptable response (Zschau et al, 2009).…”