Technological Disasters

Technological Disasters

Introduction

The Earthquake of Great East Japan was one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in global history. In March 2011, massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, followed with radiation release from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. In four critical areas, important lessons are entailed from the initial assessment of the Japanese response, which include: preparedness and response, communicating the risk, international assistance and critical infrastructure. (Carafano, 2011) In this paper we will report on the damage and its effect to key out the mental health and social consequences among disaster victims who were subject to damage from the tsunami. The possible lead agencies for such a catastrophe in the United States will also be identified. The possible roles of Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs) will also be discussed.

Discussion

Japanese affected by catastrophe of devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, followed by nuclear crisis and enormous radiation leaks are exposed to severe stressors (loss of kin, personal danger, etc.). Risks for mental health problems are also represented by these stressors. Experts warn that Japanese tsunami survivors face daunting mental health concerns. (Eckert, 2011) According to Van Dyke- a UCSF professor of psychiatry, the disastrous events had a profound impact on mental state of people. The disaster made 300,000 people displaced; many of them are still homeless. A number of people were displaced from ancestral lands where for hundreds of years, their families had lived. People were often stigmatized by residents in surrounding communities, who resettled to temporary housing and shelters, after cutting and run the tsunami or evacuating areas that were radiation-contaminated. Besides losing their homes, loved ones, communities and jobs, additional stresses were faced by evacuees in shelters because of overcrowding and lack of privacy. (Norris, 2012) The disaster continues to cause post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression in the Japanese population.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Mental health problems are reported to affect a number of people who lived through the tsunami of Japan, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a disorder having distressing impacts on one's life.

Among the Japanese survivors, there has been a raise in drug abuse, alcoholism, and other problems that continue with it. After the earthquake, In Iwaki, At Aratame Hospital, which specializes in psychiatric care, there is an increase in the number of new patients by 20 percent. Suicides in May and June rose 20 percent, in Fukushima Prefecture, over the same period ...