Epidemiological profile of water-related disasters in Japan: A focus on the environmental impact of rainstorms and floods on humans in 2013 and the role played by public health nurses

NGATU Nlandu Roger, NISHIGAWA Megumi, MOROSAWA Miho, KANBARA Sakiko, NAKAYAMA Yoko, NOJIMA Sayumi

doi:10.24298/hedn.2014-0011

Aim: In Japan, the ravaging magnitude of storms and floods have recently been taking place. The scope and impact of rainstorm and flood disasters occurring in Japan in 2013, and the role played by public health nurses (PHN), is presented.Methods: A documentary study was conducted using a descriptive approach for a 1-year period (2013).Results: In total, 22 published articles and reports were considered for the literature review. Rainstorm, mudslide and flood disasters caused 61 deaths, and 350 cases of injury were reported; and more than 580,000 people were ordered to evacuate. Rainstorm and the subsequent mudslide and flood destroyed 3,972 houses, and 27,080 other residences were flooded; they also destroyed tons of crops in farm lands, costing approximately 2 billion Yen. The role of PHNs consisted mainly of the monitoring of evacuees, caring for those with chronic conditions, and providing health consultation and mental health support to the evacuees as well as the community members. PHNs also conducted health surveys and implemented health promotion activities.Conclusion: This study showed that the impact of rainstorm and flood disasters was considerable in terms of human and environmental impacts. It also highlighted the main activities undertaken by PHNs in affected areas, suggesting that the contribution of nurses as members of disaster relief teams is of utmost importance.

Epidemiological profile of water-related disasters in Japan: A focus on the environmental impact of rainstorms and floods on humans in 2013 and the role played by public health nurses

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