Factors in Stimulating Evacuation Behavior During Floods

The Northern Kyushu Torrential Rain in July 2012 killed 31 people and destroyed more than 2,100 houses. The maximum rainfall per hour and per 24 hours were recorded at 108 mm and 507.5 mm, respectively. It also caused extensive damage to the Tatsuta area in Kumamoto City. Some residents stayed at home in the flooded area and were rescued by boats or helicopters because an evacuation order was delayed by the local government. On the other hand, many residents evacuated in time. We surveyed this evacuation behavior, awareness of disaster prevention, and the social capital, etc. Next, we analyzed the factors in promoting evacuation on the flood and made the evacuation behavior model. As a result, it was indicated that the factors in promoting evacuation on the flood were to check the river conditions and to be advised to evacuate by their neighbors. Furthermore, it was made clear that social capital in the community affected the practical ability of disaster prevention activities.