Japan Press Weekly

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2011 December 21 - 2012 January 5 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

30% of teachers in disaster-hit Miyagi experience depression

About 30% of school teachers in the 3.11 disaster-hit Miyagi Prefecture are suffering from depression, according to the Miyagi Prefectural Teachers Union.

The union conducted a survey in September and October, covering 3,375 teachers and staff at elementary and junior high schools in the prefecture.

The result shows that 23% of respondents said they have minor depression and 7% said they have moderate depression, amounting to 30% in total experiencing states of depression.

Many teachers and staff answered that they are now having a hard time dealing with radiation-related issues, with more students leaving schools to move elsewhere, and with increasing numbers of children whose families are experiencing severe financial difficulties.

Schools have been used as evacuation centers since the disaster. Many students and staff have been involved in the operation of the shelters due to the reduction of municipal workers, which was in part brought about by a series of mergers of municipalities in recent years.

The survey also shows a wide range of jobs the respondents have been made responsible for, including storage and distribution of relief supplies, drawing of water, cleaning of lavatories, and over-night stays at schools. More than 10% answered that they have stayed at schools overnight for more than 10 consecutive days.

The Miyagi Prefectural Teachers Union made the following comment on the research results. “School teachers and staff, together with local residents, have made round-the-clock efforts to operate evacuation centers. Local governments should set up a system to take the responsibility to operate schools if they continue to use them as shelters for evacuees.”