Japan Disaster: Relief & Recovery

On September 21, record downpours caused flooding and landslides in the northern part of Japan’s Noto Peninsula, an area that had already sustained severe damage from the New Year’s Day earthquake. Roughly 54 centimeters (more than 21 inches) of rain fell in 72 hours, damaging homes, destroying roads, cutting off power, and leading to eight deaths. Two more people are still missing.

Earthquake survivors had recently moved out of evacuation centers and into temporary housing. However, flooding and downed trees and power lines have forced many residents out of their new temporary homes and back into evacuation centers. The new natural disaster feels like a step backward in the recovery process for Noto residents who were finally starting to rebuild. 

Peace Winds staff based in Suzu City began responding immediately, supporting the evacuation of residents, and even housing evacuees in the Peace Winds office. The next day, additional members from Peace Winds’ emergency disaster response team, ARROWS, were dispatched to begin relief activities. They are working closely with local authorities to meet urgent needs, which currently include drinking water and emergency toilet kits. Hastily-reopened evacuation centers are also in need of cots and tents. Some areas of the Noto Peninsula were still without running water due to the earthquake, while others recently had their water lines restored. New damage to water lines will further prolong the recovery period.

On September 23, an ARROWS helicopter was dispatched so that teams could rescue four people (two women and two men in their 60s to 80s) who were stranded in an isolated area after roads were cut off by mudslides and fallen trees. All four individuals were safely evacuated to Suzu City. 

Shoko Hashimoto, local manager of ARROWS, has been leading relief and recovery activities in Suzu City since January. She says she is still unable to grasp the full extent of the damage three days later, coming on the heels of the New Year's Day earthquake and two other recent temblors. She was choked up as she asked, “Who would put us through this?” 

Prior to the heavy rains, Peace Winds had been carrying out long-term recovery activities in and around Suzu City on the northeastern part of the peninsula. Core programs have included case management services for elderly residents, house calls to monitor survivors’ physical and mental health, assistance for evacuees moving from evacuation centers to temporary housing, and community events for children and the elderly.

Peace Winds will continue to assist the Noto community as the current situation evolves. New donations to Peace Winds’ “Japan Disaster: Relief & Recovery” project will support our response to the recent flooding as well as long-term disaster recovery efforts. We thank you for your continued support.