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Why Do They Not Come Home? Three Cases of Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuees

Author

Listed:
  • Naomi Ito

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Nobuaki Moriyama

    (Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Ayako Furuyama

    (Health Promotion Center, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Hiroaki Saito

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Okinouchi, Soma, Fukushima 976-0016, Japan)

  • Toyoaki Sawano

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima 972-8322, Japan)

  • Isamu Amir

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Mika Sato

    (Department of Health Nursing of International Radiation Exposure, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Yurie Kobashi

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
    Department of General Internal Medicine, Hirata Central Hospital, Hirata, Ishikawa District, Fukushima 963-8202, Japan)

  • Tianchen Zhao

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Chika Yamamoto

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Toshiki Abe

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

  • Masaharu Tsubokura

    (Department of Radiation Health Management, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan)

Abstract

Many people wish to return to where they used to live after evacuation due to disaster. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, many residents were forced to evacuate due to concerns about radiation. Subsequently, the evacuation order was lifted, and the government promoted a return policy. However, it has been reported that a considerable number of residents living in evacuation sites or other areas wish to return but are unable to do so. Here, we report three cases of Japanese men and one woman who evacuated after the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima. These cases reveal the rapid aging of residents and their health issues. These issues suggest that enhancing medical supply systems and access to medical care can aid in post-disaster reconstruction and residents’ returning.

Suggested Citation

  • Naomi Ito & Nobuaki Moriyama & Ayako Furuyama & Hiroaki Saito & Toyoaki Sawano & Isamu Amir & Mika Sato & Yurie Kobashi & Tianchen Zhao & Chika Yamamoto & Toshiki Abe & Masaharu Tsubokura, 2023. "Why Do They Not Come Home? Three Cases of Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-7, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4027-:d:1078872
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Makiko Orita & Yasuyuki Taira & Hitomi Matsunaga & Masaharu Maeda & Noboru Takamura, 2020. "Quality of Life and Intention to Return among Former Residents of Tomioka Town, Fukushima Prefecture 9 Years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-9, September.
    2. Hiroyuki Hikichi & Jun Aida & Katsunori Kondo & Ichiro Kawachi, 2021. "Six-year follow-up study of residential displacement and health outcomes following the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118(2), pages 2014226118-, January.
    3. Yusuke Inoue & Seungwon Jeong, 2020. "Did the Number of Older People Requiring Long-Term Care and Expenditure Increase after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake? Analysis of Changes over Six Years," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-13, March.
    4. Mary M. Ball & Molly M. Perkins & Frank J. Whittington & Bettye Rose Connell & Carole Hollingsworth & Sharon V. King & Carrie L. Elrod & Bess L. Combs, 2004. "Managing Decline in Assisted Living: The Key to Aging in Place," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(4), pages 202-212.
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