Japan Earthquake Mental Health Care: Support and Resources for Evacuees

2024-02-02 04:56:00

japan news

Complex 02/02/2024

Ishikawa – (Jiji Press)– Mental health care for those affected by long evacuations following the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1 has become a major issue, as people suffer from sleep deprivation, fear of strong aftershocks, worsening dementia, In some cases, suicidal thoughts.

The Disaster Psychological Assistance Team, or DPAT, the secretariat of the Japan Psychiatric Hospital Association, invites people to contact it if they have problems, noting that it can connect them with appropriate organizations.

An elementary school in the city of Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture, temporarily sheltered up to 800 evacuees after the 7.6-magnitude earthquake. There are still about 90 people whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and about 40% of them are 65 years or older.

While efforts are being made to maintain their mental and physical health, such as “Radio Taiso” exercises and concerts, evacuees are unable to use toilets freely due to water cuts, and nutritional problems persist due to lack of vegetables.

According to the Ishikawa Prefectural Government and others, about 140 DPAT units consisting of psychiatrists and others have been dispatched to provide mental health care to evacuees.

(Original text in English, Jiji Press)

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