A study of the shelter environment based on the experiences of the Kumamoto earthquake disaster

Abstract

The aim of this study is to improve the living environment of evacuees during disasters. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey targeting residents of Kumamoto Prefecture during the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016. This paper describes the actual utilization of public shelters, the reasons and purpose of their use, and the unsatisfied requirements of the shelter environment. This paper also discusses how the evacuees’ personal attributes, the damage levels of their houses, and the nearby presence of relatives influenced their behavior and requirements for the shelter environment. The characteristics of the buildings used as shelters also influenced evacuees’ requirements for the shelter environment. For instance, evacuees sheltering in schools tended to feel more uncomfortable than in other shelters. These results will help disaster management improve shelter environments.