Fukushima on a Long Road to Recovery From Earthquake Devastation

Abstract

　　Two years and 8 months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011. It initiated a series of massive tsunami waves that crippled the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant and set off huge leaks of radiation. Even now, the disastrous situation is far from being over for many of the people of Fukushima. Rerestoration to its former state is still a long way off in communities in the vicinity of the nuclear power plant. 　　Well over 166,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. The number of evacuees reduced to about 150,000 in October this year (about 96,000 evacuees within Fukushima Prefecture and 54,000 evacuees outside the prefecture). 　　Seven hospitals and 34 clinics within 20 km from the Fukushima nuclear power plant remain closed. Six hospitals within 20～30 km have already reopened. However, a manpower shortage is serious in every hospital, because a significant number of staff members, especially the younger staffers, have left from hospitals in the evacuated areas for fear of radiation injuries. Therefore, the reopened hospitals are in tremendous difficulties of management. 　　As the president of the Fukushima Prefectural Hospital Association (127 member hospitals), I have negotiated with Tokyo Electric Power Company for compensation for damage, and appealed to the central government and the prefectural government to take proper actions. Now, we are tackling with a great number of problems for reconstruction of the communities. Although air-borne radioactive particles have sharply decreased, the residents are hardly relieved from anxieties over radioactive contamination, even at low levels, and its long-term effects on health. Decontaminating the regions exposed to radioactive fallout is progressing at a snail's pace. When evacuees will be able to return home remains to be seen. It is necessary to carefully observe the mental and physical health of citizens and help them maintain and promote their health for years to come. 　　We have received generous support from members of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine. Your heartfelt support has greatly helped, inspired, and encouraged us in Fukushima Prefecture. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you.