Most disasters caused by natural hazards occur unexpectedly and result in the loss of life and damages to the community, both of which may impact and transform one's individual and social environments. This study seeks to describe and analyze the solitary deaths (unattended deaths) of victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake.

Secondary data analysis was used to analyze the characteristics of solitary death. Data were collected from obituary columns of a major local newspaper from 17 January 1995 to 16 January 1998 which focused on aspects of the disaster related to solitary death. The content included age, sex, family status, living status, job status, health situation, and the disaster victim.

There were 94 obituaries related to solitary death found in the local newspaper. Males and females accounted for 72 and 22 of the cases, respectively. The significant age groups included the 60s (33 cases) and 50s (15 cases). In 40 out of 65, cases the individual spent less than one year living in a new shelter. Ninety-three out of 94 were living alone; 80 out of 81 had health problems; and 89 out of 90 were jobless.

Characteristics of victims experiencing solitary death included: living in a shelter >1 year, being male, being 60–70 years of age, unemployment, and health issues. Victims were socially vulnerable due to this myriad of problems. Disaster nursing intervention for these victims is strongly needed.