2003年7月水俣市土石流災害時の地域住民の行動・判断に関する調査

In Atsumari district of Minamata city, Kumamoto prefecture, the debris flowed on July 20, 2003. Fifteen persons were killed and houses were destroyed. The purpose of this paper is to study the behaviors and consciousness of the residents of Atsumari district during the heavy rainfalls and the debris flow. Evacuation behaviors and existence of precursor to debris flows were investigated by interviewing the residents who were looking at the Atsumari River and its flood situation. Primary knowledge about precursor to debris flows, the main mental focus of the residents during heavy rainfalls, evacuation behaviors, search and rescue behaviors to the victims after debris flow, living in temporary housing and, recovery and reconstruction plan of residents were studied by means of questionnaire survey. The residents watched the flooding of Atsumari River. They did not seek refuge even when they saw the phenomenon that is considered precursor to a debris flow. Also the result of the questionnaire clearly indicated that there is little knowledge regarding debris flow.