Another Way to Save Lives in Evacuation Shelters — Lessons from the Chuetsu Earthquake and “Economy Class Syndrome”

On October 23, 2004, the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake (Magnitude 6.8) struck, recording a maximum seismic intensity of 7. The disaster caused extensive damage from collapsed houses and landslides across the region.
However, what deserves special attention is this: of the 68 people who lost their lives, only 16 died directly from building collapses and other structural damage, while the remaining 52 deaths were secondary causes — mainly health problems during evacuation such as economy class syndrome (deep vein thrombosis), classified as disaster-related deaths.(*)

This fact highlighted a new dimension of disaster preparedness in Japan — the critical need for health risk management in evacuation shelters.

(*) Source: Niigata Prefecture, “Damage Information from the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake”
https://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/59765.pdf

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The Challenge of “Protecting Those Who Survived”

In the Chuetsu Earthquake, many residents were forced to endure prolonged evacuation in shelters or inside vehicles, under cold and stressful conditions.
As a result, numerous cases of economy class syndrome—blood clots forming in the legs that travel to the lungs—were reported. These disaster-related deaths became recognized nationwide as a new type of disaster risk.

“Surviving the quake, but losing life during evacuation” — this tragic reality revealed that disaster management must extend beyond immediate response to include comprehensive crisis management that supports life during the recovery phase.

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What Companies and Municipalities Can Do to Manage Health Risks During Evacuation

Health risks during and after disasters affect not only local governments and disaster management officials but also the business continuity of private companies.
If employees are forced to take shelter for extended periods, how can their health be protected?
The ability to answer that question is now part of a company’s crisis management competency.

Below are key perspectives that companies and municipalities should incorporate into their disaster preparedness planning:

① Designing “Healthy Movement Paths” in Shelters and Workplace Safe Zones

• Plan layouts to prevent long periods of immobility and encourage stretching.
• Introduce cardboard beds or air mattresses to promote blood circulation.
• Establish routines for hydration and scheduled walking breaks.

② Strengthening “Employee Health Support” Within BCP Frameworks

• Include health management checklists in company BCP manuals.
• Build coordination systems with occupational physicians and medical staff.
• In addition to food and water, stock items that support the quality of life during evacuation.

③ Leveraging Technology for Evacuation Health Support

• Use AI-based health monitoring and wearable devices to visualize physical conditions.
• Utilize off-grid refrigeration systems to preserve medicines and perishable food during power outages.
• Implement data-based management systems to monitor vulnerable employees, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.

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SAKIGAKE JAPAN’s Approach — From “Surviving” to “Sustaining Life”

At SAKIGAKE JAPAN, we are committed to “building a society where disaster preparedness is second nature.”
Our goal is not only to protect lives immediately after a disaster but also to ensure safety and health throughout the evacuation period.

We are implementing initiatives such as:

• Off-grid refrigeration and freezing systems to support medical and food storage during disasters
• AI-driven disaster risk management solutions connecting shelters, companies, and municipalities
• Comprehensive disaster planning, drills, and BCP update support

The Chuetsu Earthquake taught us a critical lesson — the question is not only “How do we save lives?” but also “How do we sustain them after survival?”
Disaster preparedness must aim not only to save lives but to protect environments where people can continue living safely.
With this perspective, SAKIGAKE JAPAN will continue supporting companies and local governments in balancing disaster resilience and public health.

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