A Study on Challenges and Support Needs in Flood Evacuation of Elementary School Students and Their Families in Japan: A Qualitative Study
Shota Inoue, Asumi Yamamoto, Naomi Komori, Yasuhiro Kotera, Hirotomo Miyatake, Makoto Kosaka, Akihiko Ozaki, Masaharu Tsubokura, Hiroaki Shimmura, Hiroyuki BeniyaAbstract
Objective
As flood disasters increase with climate change, elementary school children require consideration due to their developing self-protection capacities. However, their specific challenges and support needs during flood evacuation remain inadequately investigated. This study identified challenges faced by elementary school children and their families during flood evacuation and elucidated needed support.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 8 parents of 9 elementary school children using maximum variation sampling. Following the COREQ guidelines, interviews focused on the flood evacuation process from onset to shelter arrival. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive analytical framework.
Results
Five major themes were identified from 111 codes (percentages indicate the proportion of total codes): Disaster preparedness (22.5%), Evacuation support (16.2%), Material support at evacuation sites (22.5%), Environmental support at evacuation sites (22.5%), and Disaster response (16.2%). The findings revealed multifaceted challenges and required support systems during flood disasters.
Conclusions
Children’s and their families’ safety during flood disasters may require enhanced community awareness, family evacuation plans, child-friendly shelters, effective information systems, and collaboration among schools, families, and communities. These findings emphasize considering their unique needs in disaster planning and evacuation shelter management. Future research should develop practical intervention programs with diverse samples to enhance resilience.