Relief workers share Kumamoto earthquake lessons to improve disaster preparedness

Medical and welfare professionals are sharing lessons learned from relief efforts following the Kumamoto earthquake to improve future disaster preparedness.

At Nayoro City Hospital, a report was held regarding the activities of a Japan Medical Association Disaster Medical Team (JMAT). Five staff members, who served in Uki City from August 27 to 31, detailed their transition from acute care to sub-acute support. Key findings included the importance of supporting the mental well-being of local medical staff and the realization that “watching over” evacuees without intrusive questioning can sometimes be more effective than constant verbal interaction in high-stress environments.

In Tottori Prefecture, staff from the Koheikai Social Welfare Corporation reported their volunteer experiences to facility residents. Volunteers participated in debris removal and house cleaning in Hikawa Town. The organization aims to integrate these firsthand observations of insufficient volunteer numbers and slow recovery progress into their facility’s disaster prevention strategies to better prepare for future emergencies.