Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford A Tsunami of Misery
Jun 19, 2020
A couple's tragic journey unfolds after being forced to flee from the Fukushima disaster, revealing how immediate action can lead to long-term suffering. The podcast delves into the engineering flaws of the nuclear plant and the harrowing psychological toll on evacuees. It also explores the hidden costs of crises, such as the overlooked mental health impacts of disasters. Through personal stories, it highlights the complexities of responding to urgent dangers and the often unseen consequences that follow.
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Hamako Watanabe's Suicide
- Mikio and Hamako Watanabe, a couple near Fukushima, were evacuated after the nuclear disaster.
- Hamako committed suicide after being forced to leave her home due to the evacuation order.
Hidden Deaths
- Deaths like Hamako's are often overlooked because they aren't directly linked to the disaster.
- These "hidden deaths" are important to consider when evaluating the true cost of a tragedy.
Hatfield Train Derailment
- After a train derailment in Hatfield, speed restrictions were implemented to prevent further accidents.
- This led to an increase in car travel and subsequent road deaths, highlighting the unintended consequences of safety measures.