Miyakejima calling

三宅島の島民、生活再建へ

    Volcanic activity on Miyakejima, one of the Izu Islands, started in June 2000. The volcano eventually erupted, spewing massive amounts of molten rock. That September, all residents were evacuated. Their return has been delayed due to the lingering presence of noxious gases, including sulfur dioxide.

    The evacuation order was lifted Feb. 1 after the head of Miyake Village decided that residents could return to the island if they took "personal responsibility" for health risks. It was a painful decision that reflected a grim reality: a steady drop in the island's population. The number of people registered as island residents — which stood at 3,800 at the time of evacuation — has diminished to about 3,200 because of death and resettlement.

    The village head warned against expecting a "free and normal life" back home. He advised wearing gas masks to protect themselves from the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide.

    Living in areas designated as having "high gas density" — downwind from the volcano — is prohibited. The village office, located in an eastern high-density area, is sheltered in a public school in the southwestern part of the island. School begins in April, and students will be required to wear gas masks on their way to and from school.

    Some health specialists, while stressing the need for precautions, play down the hazards from the volcanic fumes, citing the example of hot springs that contain sulfur. Still, "highly sensitive" residents, such as asthmatics, could suffer an attack even under conditions of extremely low gas concentrations. Caution is the best counsel.

    In physical terms, rebuilding or repairing damaged homes is key to recovery and reconstruction. In this, public assistance has a large role to play. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is set to provide ¥1.5 million per household. If assistance from the central government is included, the maximum amount comes to ¥4.5 million. Following the Great Hanshin Earthquake 10 years ago, public assistance was provided to help victims return to normal life. That aid package was limited in scope, though, because it excluded funds for building new homes or repairing existing ones.

    Life may be harder for islanders who had homes in high-density areas since they are not allowed to live there. They have three options: building a new home in a different area, living in a rented house or moving into public housing. Whichever the case, their lives will not be the same again. In effect, they will have to endure a kind of evacuation for a long time.

    Industrial reconstruction appears problematic. Farming will have to start from scratch because eroded soil must be regenerated. Fishing probably will resume at a relatively early date, but renovating the harbors and building or repairing ships won't be easy. Tourism is likely to get back on track relatively soon. Officials say Miyakejima will accept "eco-tourists" starting in May.

    Some residents have decided not to return for various reasons. They include students temporarily enrolled at a Tokyo metropolitan senior high school. They may continue to study there if they wish, although the metropolitan Miyake Senior High School is due to reopen on the island in April.

    On the other hand, those living in metropolitan housing will have to move out by the end of March. If they want to continue living there, they will have to pay rent. At a meeting of residents the other day, officials were reportedly criticized for being "cold." However, residents in special circumstances, such as those unable to rebuild homes or those receiving advanced medical care, will be allowed to live there for another three months, free of charge.

    All residents had evacuated Miyakejima under orders, not necessarily by choice. Now it is up to them to decide whether to return or not. Those who choose not to return should not be treated unfavorably. It is the responsibility of the central and local governments to provide continued support for both returnees and nonreturnees.

The Japan Times Weekly
Feb. 12, 2005
(C) All rights reserved

      三宅島の火山活動は2000年6月に始まった。その後、大規模噴火と火砕流が発生、9月には全住民に避難指示が発令された。

      避難指示は1日、帰島する住民の健康は自己責任という条件で、三宅村長により解除された。住民は、二酸化硫黄から身体を守るため、必要に応じガスマスク着用を求められた。

      火山ガスの「高濃度地域」では居住は禁止されている。新学期が4月に始まると、生徒は登下校時にガスマスクを着用することになっている。

      一部の保健専門家は硫黄を含む温泉の例を挙げて、火山ガスに対しあまり過敏になる必要はないと言う。ただ、喘息患者などの「高感受性者」は低濃度のガスでも影響を受ける可能性があり、注意を要する。

      今後の復旧のかぎになるのは、噴火で破壊された住宅の再建だ。都は、世帯あたり150万円の建設資金を支給する。国からの資金援助を含めると最大450万円になる。

      産業の再建には問題がありそうだ。農業は、噴火による土壌への影響のため最初からやり直さねばならない。漁業は比較的早期に再開できそうだが、漁港の再建、漁船の修理は容易ではない。観光は、早期に正常化できそうだ。

      都営住宅に入居している住民は、3月末までに住宅を明け渡し、それ以上の滞在には、通常の家賃の支払いが求められる。

      島民が避難したのは、指示があったためで、好んでしたわけではない。帰島は個人の判断で、帰島しない人たちを差別すべきでない。帰島者かどうか関係なく、島民に援助を続けることが国と地方自治体の責任だ。