Resources for Japan
- PWSDevelopments: 2012 Issue 2
- Enewsletter: Issue 33 – April 2012
- Enewsletter: Issue 25 – June 2011
- Japan Emergency Relief Videos
- Enewsletter: Issue 23 – April 2011
- Bulletin Bit for Sunday, March 27
Latest News from Japan
- Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: One Year Later — Apr 11th, 2012
- New Japan Relief Video: Three Months Later — Jun 20th, 2011
- Detailed Update on the Situation in Japan — May 12th, 2011
- Relief Efforts Continue in Japan — Apr 29th, 2011
- Update on Japan — Mar 23rd, 2011
- Responding to Earthquake and Tsunami Victims in Japan: PWS&D Accepting Donations — Mar 14th, 2011
Almost all ports on the coast had been damaged and could no longer be used. Photo: ACT Alliance
Photo: ACT Alliance
Peace Boat volunteers planning for an activity. Photo: ACT Alliance
Following the tsunami over 16,000 people lost their lives and thousands more were missing. Photo: ACT Alliance
Hundreds of thousands of people were forced into evacuation centres. Photo: ACT Alliance
On March 11, 2011, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake rocked the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that washed away coastal cities, destroyed crucial infrastructure and crippled the thriving fishing industry. As a result, nearly 16,000 people lost their lives and 350,000 were rushed into evacuation centres. Over 28 million tonnes of debris and sludge covered homes, schools, businesses and harbour fronts, making it impossible for families to return home or businesses to open.
More than a year later, the earthquake has been recognized as the most powerful in Japan’s history—and one of the five most powerful in the world. In economic terms, it has been one of the most expensive, amounting to an incredible $325 billion, according to the World Bank. But in the wake of disaster, a spirit of compassion, courage and resilience has emerged. The affected communities in Japan have responded not with hopelessness, but determination to recover and rebuild.
Presbyterians Unite
Presbyterians across Canada acted in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Japan, raising nearly $400,000 for relief efforts through PWS&D. Responding through local partners, PWS&D has supported the removal of debris, the provision of medical services and psychosocial counselling, as well as the delivery of meals and essential items to those in need.
Volunteers Making a Difference
The efforts of volunteers in Japan have been nothing short of extraordinary. PWS&D local partner Peace Boat mobilized 8,200 volunteers, contributing over 41,000 working days to relief efforts. To date, these dedicated volunteers have served over 110,000 hot meals and distributed relief items to thousands of families in evacuation centres.
With many homes and businesses washed away, Mr. Nakazato, a fisherman whose property miraculously survived, affirms, “We have to help each other, otherwise we can’t go on.” Like many who withstood the disaster unharmed, he feels compelled to give back.
To facilitate the return of evacuees, reopening of businesses and the revitalization of the fishing industry, volunteers have cleaned over 2,000 structures, including homes, shops, offices, schools and fishing equipment.
The Strength of Community
Community involvement is an integral element of the response. Local “tea parties” are providing emotional support to residents of temporary housing. Nearly 7,000 residents have taken part, sharing stories of loss and discussing solutions to the problems facing them. Volunteers are also cultivating flower gardens and constructing benches in order to improve communal spaces, reduce anxiety and strengthen the sense of community.
By responding directly to requests for temporary housing, a high level of trust has developed between volunteers who serve as confidants for residents who are struggling to overcome grief and trauma.
In addition to community support structures, 5,000 women have received psychosocial counselling, over 50,000 safety cards and 2,150 personal alarms were distributed to ensure the safety of women and children while living in evacuation centres.
Moving Forward
With the cleaning and removal process well underway, families are returning to their homes or moving into temporary shelters. Operations have shifted from emergency relief to rehabilitation and disaster preparedness. Local partners are now being trained in internationally recognized standards of humanitarian assistance in order to improve the ability of people to respond to future disasters.
PWS&D is continuing to support relief efforts in Japan and is working with local partners to address new challenges as they arise.
To make a donation, you can give through your church offering, mail a cheque to the PWS&D office, donate online or call PWS&D at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291. Please mark donations as “Japan Relief.”
