Local Dialysis Disaster Relief During Two Torrential Downpours on Amami-Ohshima Island

Abstract

Two torrential downpours hit Amami-Ohshima Island in 2010 and 2011 and affected the administration of chronic dialysis treatments. The 2010 Amami Torrential Downpour in particular created communication and transportation breakdown. The communication blackout, which affected the emergency communication system of the local administrative damage control organization, hindered contact between dialysis centers and patients. The disrupted patient transfer system forced local and national government to take emergency measures and provide rescue services. The 2011 Amami South Area Torrential Downpour caused similar problems. The reallocation of patients and the adaptation of dialysis schedules appeared to solve the transportation problems. The use of a satellite phone was suggested to resolve the communication problem. New psychiatric complications were also identified. Local dialysis disaster relief should be established in advance in disaster-prone areas. Lessons learned from various disasters should translate into better preparedness.