Abstract
Mt. Usu, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, has been erupting since March 31, 2000. A lot of refugees had to leave their home for a long period because of risk by volcanic activities. The authors made research to know the refugees' thoughts about rehabilitation and recovering of their home and town. The results were as follows; most people answered that the damage of houses were not so heavy, but those who lived in the district seriously damaged by hot muddy water recognized the damages were heavier. Regarding living, around 40 percent people want to live in the same home, and more over the half residents have intention to resettlement. Regarding employment, around 30 percent people were retired their jobs during the refuge. Also about income, 36 percent residents claimed that their incomes were decreased and 27 percent people feared that the incomes would be decreased. Regarding measures, around 60 percent people thought that constructed sabo dams were effective. More over 50 percent people fear that mudflows recur in future. The authors propose that the houses in extremely dangerous district may be moved; required sabo facilities should be constructed in order to secure more safety of the area; the people exploit the property of active volcano as tourism resources.
