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Suicides in and around the area devastated by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis in 2011 have greatly increased. According to police figures, last year in Fukushima Prefecture, 23 individuals who appeared to have been affected by the March 2011 disaster committed suicide -- 10 more than 2012.
As of the end of February this year, six suicides have been reported.
Last week, a cabinet team visited Kokoro no Care, which operates relief shelters, to conduct a study of displaced residents living in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture. NHK reported that the study seeks to measure the traumatic and lasting effects of the nuclear disaster, and its relationship to the increased number of suicides.
The team, led by counselor Yasuo Tanabe, looked at the emotional and physical condition of displaced residents, as well as the effectiveness of government relief programs set up in the area. NHK quoted Tanabe as saying the team found a shortage of trained staff members at the shelters, which was impairing the healing process for individuals dealing with trauma after the disaster.
Tanabe said there is an urgent need for more trained personnel at the shelters, as well as an increase in the budget to support them.
© Japan Today
4 Comments
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hereforever
I kind of wonder about the actual number of so called suicides. Could it be that exposure to radiation and sickness could also be the cause of some suicides or deaths? The reason I ask is, a recent article I read states that some sailors from the USS Ronald Regan have been suffering from radiation exposure. It lists their symptoms. There is a class action suit at present and thousands have join it, including Japanese. So why are Americans suffering from radiation exposure but I can't find any news about Japanese suffering from it? Japanese in the area have had exposure much long than the Americans. It seems that news I read in Japan is different from news written in other countries. Which do I trust?
Disillusioned
Meanwhile, the Japanese government can spend 10 million bucks a year on whaling. The treatment and lack of support for these people is an absolute disgrace! Many families have been split up and living indifferent parts of the country. TEPCO is yet to give adequate compensation to the people who lost their homes and livelihoods. It is a humanitarian disaster, but these people just suffer in silence while slowly slipping into depression and become suicidal. Shame on you Japan! And, shame on TEPCO and the Abe government for letting these people suffer.
Louis Tan
The government is using Fukushima to hide the incidence of suicide figures. It is not just Fukushima but the majority are happening all over Japan as people get more desperate and burdened by the loss of hope with their government. Tax the people while giving away money as aid and loans to other countries? Is the Abe Government a government for the people?