Snow falls on Nanao. On the heights of the city on the Noto Peninsula (central Japan) devastated by the powerful earthquake on January 1, the Terada family enjoys a ramen distribution outside an evacuation center. The hot dish is good. The earthquake damaged the gas and water networks: it was impossible to cook at home.

The two children appreciate this, especially since they are not really aware of the seriousness of the situation. “At 2 and 4 years old, they are still small”explains the mother Yuko, who despite everything tries to hide her worries from them. The family home held firm, but “There are a lot of scary lines”.

Aftershocks, the precarious conditions in evacuation centers, the change in living environment or even the loss of a loved one disrupt the everyday lives of young people in the event of a disaster. A survey conducted by the Ministry of Education after the March 11, 2011 earthquake in the east of the archipelago found that 18% of primary school children and 12% of middle school students suffered from traumatic post-stress syndrome. It may take some time for problems to occur. After the 1995 Kobe earthquake, the Hyogo (West) Department Education Council found that the number of children in need of psychological care peaked three years after the disaster.

Similar cases are expected on the Noto Peninsula, where the earthquake left 232 dead, including a 5-year-old child, 21 missing and more than 1,000 injured. “The children often ask us when we are coming home. We can’t answer it because it is very damaged. But I feel like they’re less afraid because we’re together.”, explains a mother of three children. The family now lives in a high school classroom in Suzu, a city affected by the earthquake and also by a tsunami.

“Awaken the impression of a journey”

The frequency of disasters in Japan is prompting authorities to increase advice to parents to ease the shock of a forced evacuation with children. “If possible, you can spend some time in the hotel to make it feel like a trip. Some municipalities cover part of the accommodation costsexplains the public broadcaster NHK on its website about disasters. Children can be restless in evacuation centers, especially if the location is unfamiliar to them. To help them relax, bring familiar treats and toys. If you’re worried about the noise generated, consider coloring books or playing cards. »

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