Domestic Disaster Relief | PEACE BOAT Disaster Relief

Ishikawa Noto Peninsula Earthquake (Jan 2024)

On January 1, 2024, an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 was observed in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture. The earthquake caused extensive damage in the Okunoto area and other parts of the Hokuriku region, as houses collapsed one after another and transportation networks were cut off.
Immediately after the earthquake, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) entered the area and continues to provide assistance in Suzu and Wajima Cities in cooperation with local organizations, related institutions, and support groups.

Typhoon No.13 (Yun-Yeung), Chiba Prefecture (Sep 2023)

On September 8, 2023, Typhoon No. 13 caused a linear precipitation zone resulting in damage over a wide area. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) provided support for a soup kitchen in Mobara City, Chiba Prefecture, the day after the disaster struck.

Torrential Rains, Tohoku (Akita), (Jul 2023)

A seasonal rain front stalled in the Tohoku region from July 14 to 16, 2023, causing heavy rain damage mainly in the northern part of the region. Akita Prefecture experienced record-breaking rainfall, causing rivers to overflow in many parts of the prefecture. Houses were flooded and landslides occurred. The central part of Akita City, in particular, was widely flooded by the night of July 15 due to inland flooding, and more than 6,500 houses were confirmed to be inundated, both above and below floor level. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) established two regional support bases in cooperation with the Akita City Social Welfare Council and Akita Yui Net. Utilizing the know-how gained from previous community support centers, PBV provided support to local residents including assistance with house repairs, consultations on rebuilding livelihoods, and distribution of supplies.

Torrential Rains, Northern Kyushu (Fukuoka), (Jul 2023)

Record-breaking rainfall continued to fall mainly in northern Kyushu from July 10, 2023, and Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched staff with specialized skills to Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture. PBV provided support mainly in dealing with houses that had been damaged by flooding above floor level.

Typhoon No.2 (Mawar), Ibaraki Prefecture (June 2023)

On June 2 and 3, 2023, Typhoon No. 2 and a frontal line caused a series of torrential rain damage in various parts of Japan. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) provided equipment to a damaged childcare facility in Toride City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Noto Peninsula Earthquake (May 2023)

On May 5, 2023, at around 2:42 p.m., an earthquake struck Ishikawa Prefecture with a strong tremor of intensity 6 upper on the Japanese seismic scale. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was located in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, with an estimated depth of 10 km and a magnitude of 6.3. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched a team to the affected areas on May 6. The most needed support was temporary measures against rain leaks on roofs, which is often the case after a strong earthquake. PBV dispatched an expert team for roof repairs, soon launched an emergency relief fund, and is currently working on roof repairs and supporting the operation of the disaster relief volunteer center.

Typhoon No. 15 (Talas), Shizuoka Prefecture, (Sep 2022)

Typhoon Talas caused linear precipitation zones starting on September 23, 2022, and the Tokai region experienced record-breaking rainfall. Many places throughout Japan marked the highest rainfall ever recorded. According to Shizuoka Prefecture, as of October 13, over 8,300 houses were flooded. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) implemented relief activities to provide warm food and necessities, repair houses, and support community building in the affected regions in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Torrential Rains, Hokuriku (Niigata and Yamagata), (Aug 2022)

The Tohoku and Hokuriku regions were hit by torrential rainfall on August 4, 2022. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched staff members to the severely affected areas in Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures. In Murakami City (Niigata), the rainfall resulted in water being cut off from more than 7,000 households in the region, and some areas did not have access to drinkable water for more than two weeks. PBV’s relief activities continued toward the end of the year with support from an emergency relief fund, which amounted to more than 1.5 million Japanese contributed by both public and private entities.

Torrential Rains, Tohoku Region, (Jul 2022)

From July 15, 2022, record-breaking rainfall hit the Tohoku region, resulting in serious damage to Miyagi Prefecture. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched two staff members on July 16 to Osaki City and Matsushima Town in Miyagi Prefecture to assess the damage. This was the third time in seven years that these regions experienced flood disasters. In Osaki, a bridge collapsed due to the heavy rain, and more than 800 houses were flooded. In Matsushima, 127 landslides occurred and about 200 houses were flooded. Alongside Social Welfare Councils in both areas and the Miyagi-based non-profit organization OPEN JAPAN, PBV primarily assisted with repairing flooded houses which were difficult for residents and the disaster relief volunteer center to handle.

Fukushima Prefecture Offshore Earthquake (Mar 2022)

Just one year after the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in 2021, the Tohoku region was again struck by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on March 16, 2022. In response to a request from the Yamamoto Town Social Welfare Council (Miyagi Prefecture) received on March 18, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched two staff members on March 21. PBV helped to organize volunteers to work on roof repairs, train local firefighters and organizations, assess local needs, and coordinate sharing of information between all related sectors. More than 1,000 houses were issued with Disaster Damage Certificates, but it was difficult to assess the damage from outside. Assisting people to fill in the applications and keeping them informed about governmental support was vital. More than 20% of the households received preferable assessments after this assistance.

Torrential Rains, Kyushu (Aug 2021)

Torrential rain has triggered floods and landslides in many parts of Japan since August 11, 2021. Record-breaking rainfall caused severe damages to communities in western Japan, especially in the northern Kyushu regions. Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV) implemented the disaster relief project in Omachi-cho, Saga prefecture. The area had experienced floods in 2019 and the PBV carried out relief projects back then in cooperation with the local authorities, volunteers, and various networks. This region was still recovering from the flood in 2019 August and there were some newly built houses, which were just recovered from the previous flood disaster. However, the damage was more severe this time. Just within 8 days (from August 11 to 18), total rainfall recorded 1,035mm, which was almost 2/3 of the yearly rainfall in this region. The flood level was doubled, and broader regions got damages. However, due to COVID-19, volunteers outside the prefecture could not come. The PBV implemented the relief projects from August 18 to January 11 in 2022, helping in coordination and collaboration with other support organizations, the management of the supports for evacuees at home, the management of delivery of relief items and supports, and operation at shelters amid COVID-19.

Fukushima Prefecture Offshore Earthquake, Miyagi Prefecture (Mar 2021)

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck offshore east of the Tohoku region on February 13, 2021, and damaged more than 20,000 houses in the region.
In response to a request from the Yamamoto-cho Social Welfare Council (Miyagi Prefecture), PBV has implemented relief activities by experienced staff on March 8 to put up tarpaulins on damaged roofs. PBV has been working on relief projects in Chiba, where houses were severely damaged by typhoons since the autumn of 2019 and contributed to the capacity building of local volunteers who can respond to the damage on houses. The PBV staff members who have experience and expertise developed during the relief efforts in Chiba have been dispatched to Yamamoto-cho to train the members of local and national support organizations, such as the Yamamoto-cho Social Welfare Council, Yamamoto-cho Town Office, JVOAD, and Miyagi-based non-profit organization OPEN JAPAN.

Torrential Rains, Kumamoto Prefecture (July 2020)

Prolonged rainy season with torrential rains in 2020 brought severe floods in the southern and western Japan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Kumamoto Prefecture was the worst-hit with loss of 65 lives. Due to the pandemic, PBV first started providing expertise and supplies to the humanitarian organizations based in Kumamoto and surrounding prefectures, then dispatched experienced staff members who had been tested negative for COVID-19 after the official request from the local authority of Kuma-mura, Kumamoto Prefecture. The dispatched members engaged in supporting operations at an evacuation center until its closure in the end of October. Another team continues to second in Hitoyoshi-city, Kumamoto prefecture, to coordinate the activities of the local volunteer center. The project has been supported by various donations and grants, including Japan Platform.

Typhoon No. 19 (Hagibis), Fukushima Prefecture (Oct 2019)

Typhoon No. 19 (Hagibis), Fukushima Prefecture, Japan (Oct 2019 – ongoing)

Typhoon No. 19 also struck Fukushima prefecture in October 2019. In Iwaki city, PBV worked with the Iwaki city social welfare council to match the needs of residents with resources available. PBV carried out a wide ranging relief operations in collaboration with the local authority, other humanitarian organizations and local residents. Food distribution, cleaning up of houses as well as the setting up of temporary communal areas were also activities that PBV participated in to support the local community. More than 2,300 volunteers from Japan and overseas joined in diverse projects in Iwaki. This project is also supported by various donors and grantors including the US-based Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

Typhoons No. 15 and No. 19 (Faxai and Hagibis, respectively), Chiba Prefecture (Sep 2019)

Typhoons No. 15 and No. 19 (Faxai and Hagibis), Chiba Prefecture, Japan (Sep 2019)

Typhoons 15 and 19 struck the Kanto region a month apart in September and October 2019 respectively. One severely affected area was Chiba prefecture. Due to the strength of the typhoons, many roofs had been blown away from houses, resulting in water seepages and difficulties for residents to live in their homes whenever it rained. To tackle this problem, PBV partnered with other relief organizations and gathered staff members who had expertise in roof building and maintenance to fortify existing roofs and build sturdier ones. Beyond this, PBV also helped manage the newly formed Southern Chiba Disaster Relief Volunteer Center to coordinate aid efforts throughout the area and share expertise and experiences. The project does not only focus on the temporary repairing of the roofs but also focus on capacity building of local residents to prepare for the future disasters. This project is supported by various donors and grantors including the US-based Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

North Kyushu Torrential Rains, Saga Prefecture (Aug 2019)

North Kyushu Torrential Rains, Saga Prefecture, Japan (Aug 2019)

End August 2019, record-breaking rainfall fell in the Northern Kyushu region. In particular, Saga prefecture was hit by landslides, overflowing riverbanks, and flood damage to houses. PBV provided logistical and managerial support for evacuation centers and helped with the cleaning up of houses in Takeo city.

Eastern Iburi Earthquake, Hokkaido (Sep 2018)

Eastern Iburi Earthquake, Hokkaido, Japan (Sep 2018)

On 6 September 2018, the eastern part of Iburi, Hokkaido, was struck by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake. Buildings were destroyed and landslides damaged the nearby towns of Atsuma, Abira, and Mukawa. With the exception of its outlying islands, the rest of Hokkaido experienced power outages. PBV launched relief efforts by supporting life at evacuation centers, furnishing of temporary communal areas, as well as battling the cold for those living in temporary housing.

West Japan Torrential Rains, Okayama Prefecture (Jul 2018)

West Japan Torrential Rains, Okayama Prefecture, Japan (Jul 2018)

Western Japan was at the heart of record-breaking and widespread rainfall between 28 June and 8 July 2018. Emergency warnings for heavy rain were announced in eleven prefectures including Hiroshima, Okayama, and Ehime, with many areas seeing extensive damage from overflowing rivers and landslides. 237 people lost their lives, with 6,767 buildings completely destroyed and 11,243 partially so. Working in Kurashiki and Soja cities in Okayama prefecture, PBV supported the reconstruction of homes, life in evacuation centers, as well as facilitated offers of support and provisions to match them to local needs and requirements.

North Osaka Earthquake, Osaka Prefecture (Jun 2018)

North Osaka Earthquake, Osaka Prefecture, Japan (Jun 2018)

The Kansai region was hit with a magnitude 5.6 earthquake on 18 June 2018. Particularly in Osaka prefecture, as many as 53,000 houses were partially destroyed. PBV worked with other relief groups to share information and quickly ascertained the most pressing needs of those affected. One of the areas identified was that of leaking roofs. While no visible damage could be seen, damage to roofs were caused leakages, making these houses inhabitable whenever it rained. PBV worked with organizations that had the technical expertise to lay out blue tarpaulin on roofs to help prevent any water seepage. Visits were also carried out to individuals who needed special assistance to see to their needs.

North Kyushu Torrential Rains, Fukuoka Prefecture (Jul 2017)

North Kyushu Torrential Rains, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan (Jul 2017)

Record rainfall fell in northern Kyushu on 5 July 2017. More than 2,800 houses were damaged and over 2,000 residents were forced to evacuate as floodwaters swept through the area. PBV provided assistance in Toho village and Asakura city, Fukuoka Prefecture, through the operating of the disaster relief volunteer center, donating of daily necessities, and the establishment of an agricultural volunteer center to support local farmers. These efforts were made possible through collaborations with the local social welfare council, local government officials, and NGOs.

Typhoon No. 21 (Lan), Mie Prefecture, Japan (Oct 2017)

Super Typhoon No. 21 caused widespread damage in prefectures in the Kinki and Tokai regions. In response to requests of assistance from the Shinsai Ga Tsunagu Zenkoku Network, PBV dispatched staff members to affected areas in Tamaki town, Mie prefecture. With the record heavy rain inundating many houses, PBV assessed the situation and provided advice on how to deal with the water damage suffered and preventive measures that households could take in the future.

Typhoon No. 10 (Lionrock), Iwate Prefecture (Sep 2016)

Typhoon No. 10 (Lionrock), Iwate Prefecture, Japan (Sep 2016)

Typhoon No. 10 that struck on 30 August 2016 resulted in the breaking of riverbanks and flooding in Iwazumi town, Iwate prefecture. At the request of Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (JVOAD), PVB was asked to set up an aid network to support the communities affected by flood damage. While operating the disaster relief volunteer center, PBV played a pivotal role in listening to the needs of residents and trying to meet them.

Kumamoto earthquake, Kumamoto Prefecture (Apr 2016)

Kumamoto earthquake, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan (Apr 2016)

In April 2016, two magnitude 7 earthquakes struck Kumamoto prefecture. More than 1500 aftershocks were also recorded, with almost 200,000 people being forced to evacuate and 8000 over houses completely destroyed. PBV launched a 9-month long project that covered a wide range of relief activities. Besides distributing food and daily necessities, PBV also assisted in the running of disaster relief volunteer centers, the building of temporary housing, as well as the cleaning up of homes. As many medical facilities could no longer function, PBV identified a specific need pertaining to daycare services for young children with disabilities, sending experienced and qualified volunteers to provide such services in the affected communities.

Torrential rains, Kanto and Tohoku regions (Sep 2015)

Torrential rains, Kanto and Tohoku regions, Japan (Sep 2015)

The Kanto and Tohoku Regions were hit by record rainfall in September 2015, affecting many prefectures in these two areas. This was the worst flooding since the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. PBV assisted local communities in the running of volunteer centers and in cleaning up homes that had suffered flood damage. It also played a pivotal role in matching available resources (manpower, food, appliances such as washing machines) with existing needs, ensuring a steady flow of information among local communities, NPOs, and volunteers.

Nagano earthquake, Nagano Prefecture (Nov 2014)

Nagano earthquake, Nagano Prefecture, Japan (Nov 2014)

After an earthquake struck Hakuba, Nagano prefecture, PBV provided aid to affected communities.

Landslides, Hiroshima Prefecture (Aug 2014)

Landslides, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (Aug 2014)

In the immediate aftermath of the landslides that struck Hiroshima prefecture in August 2014, PBV mobilized and commenced emergency relief operations in Asaminami ward, Hiroshima city. PBV’s team worked closely with the city social welfare council and other organizations to run the Asaminami ward disaster relief volunteer center. Through this center, PBV coordinated disaster relief volunteer operations and matched the needs of the affected community with the volunteers who came from across the country.
Additionally, PBV established the “Dandan Café”, a public space for disaster-affected residents to come together. A total of 3,124 meals were served in 13 locations. PBV also helped to disseminate information about government insurance schemes, reconstruction plans and other news. Partnering with other organizations, PBV was able to offer much-needed support to many community members.

Typhoons No. 11 and 12 (Halong and Nakri), Tokushima Prefecture (Aug 2014)

Typhoons 11 and 12 struck Tokushima prefecture in August 2014. PBV activated its staff and volunteers to render aid in Anan city.

Heavy snow, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures (Feb 2014)

Heavy snow fell in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in February 2014. PBV activated more than 20 volunteers to Oyama town, Shizuoka prefecture, and Hokuto city, Yamanashi prefecture to assist in the clearing of snow and the management of the disaster volunteer centers.

Torrential rain, Hyogo Prefecture (Aug 2014)

Torrential rain, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (Aug 2014)

Torrential rains hit Hyogo prefecture in August 2014. PBV carried out disaster relief activities in Tanba city, Hyogo prefecture, specifically to deal with the flooding that had occurred.

Typhoon No. 26 (Wipha), Izu Oshima island, Tokyo (Oct 2013)

Typhoon No. 26 (Wipha), Izu Oshima island, Tokyo, Japan (Oct 2013)

Typhoon No. 26 severely affected Izu Oshima, an island located around 100 km away from the central Tokyo, triggering a devastating landslide in October 2013. PBV launched extensive relief operations in Izu Oshima, with the entire operation lasting more than three months.

Related article:
Oshima Relief – Final Project Report

Typhoon No. 18 (Man-yi), Shiga Prefecture (Sep 2013)

Typhoon No. 18 (Man-yi), Shiga Prefecture, Japan (Sep 2013)

Typhoon No. 18 struck Shiga prefecture in September 2013. Volunteers were sent to help clean homes and manage the disaster volunteer center set up in Koga city.

Torrential Rains in Shizuoka, Iwate, Yamaguchi Prefectures (Jul – Aug 2013)

Between July and August 2013, many prefectures in Japan were hit by torrential rains. PBV dispatched volunteers in collaboration with local partners to assist communities hit by floods in these three prefectures. Support was provided in the management of the respective volunteer centers, the cleaning of homes as well as the provision of hot meals.

Torrential Rains, Northern Kyushu Region (Jul – Aug 2012)

Torrential Rains, Northern Kyushu Region, Japan (Jul – Aug 2012)

In July 2012, the northern region of Kyushu experienced extremely heavy rainfall. PBV dispatched personnel and commenced emergency relief efforts immediately. For approximately one month, volunteers were involved in clean-up activities such as debris and mud removal. PBV also helped in the management of local volunteers via the disaster relief volunteer center set up. As it was the first time in the field for many of these local volunteers, PBV’s trained and experienced volunteer leaders teamed up with these local volunteers to deliver effective assistance to the affected population. PBV’s activities supported disaster relief efforts in Taketa city, Oita prefecture and Aso city, Kumamoto prefecture.

Heavy Snow, Niigata Prefecture (Feb 2012)

Heavy Snow, Niigata Prefecture, Japan (Feb 2012)

Faced with record snowfall, PBV activated volunteers to assist in snow shoveling and clearing in Ojiya city, Niigata prefecture. As there was a high proportion of elderly households in the city, it was extremely challenging for the local residents to clear the snow accumulated near their homes by themselves. Volunteers remained in Ojiya city for the three weeks with the heaviest snowfall until the tail-end of winter.

Typhoon No. 12 (Talas), Wakayama Prefecture (Sep 2011)

Typhoon No. 12 (Talas), Wakayama Prefecture, Japan (Sep 2011)

After Typhoon No. 12 struck the Kii peninsula in September 2011, PBV activated its staff and volunteers to head to Kumanogawa town in Wakayama prefecture. Faced with a severe lack of manpower initially, experienced volunteers from the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami and youth volunteers from the Kansai region were swiftly gathered to help in the clean-up operations. The entire project lasted for two months.

Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (Mar 2011)

On 11th March 2011, a devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck the north-east of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that claimed over ２22,000 lives, washed away coastal cities, destroyed critical infrastructure and crippled thousands of businesses. Peace Boat/ PBV first dispatched members to the Tohoku region on March 17th, set up an operation base in Ishinomaki City and carried out diverse relief projects to help the communities for full recovery. The collaboration between the communities in the region and PBV/ Peace Boat continues to date.

Related articles:
Overview – Peace Boat Emergency Relief Operation (English)
Overview – Peace Boat Emergency Relief Operation (Spanish)
Mid-term Report (English)
Mid-term Report (Japanese)
2011 Report (English)
2011 Report Spanish (Spanish)