30
Mar 2026

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“The Hot Meals Helped Us Feed Our Families”: Voices from North Sumatra

After the floods in North Sumatra, daily life became uncertain for thousands of families who suddenly lost access to basic necessities. Cooking, eating, and maintaining hygiene turned into daily challenges, especially for those living in damaged homes or temporary shelters. Through the emergency response carried out by PBV and ASAR Humanity, many families were able to regain a sense of stability, even in the midst of recovery. For many, the public kitchens became a crucial source of support. One mother from the affected community shared that the hot meals provided over ten days made a significant difference for her family. “The hot meals really helped us because we struggled to […]

26
Mar 2026

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Emergency Relief Reaches Flood-Affected Communities in North Sumatra

From January 27 to February 23, 2026, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV), in partnership with ASAR Humanity, provided emergency assistance to communities affected by floods in Sipirok and Batangtoru, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The response reached a total of 5,115 families, or approximately 25,725 people, many of whom were facing displacement, damaged homes, and limited access to food and basic necessities. In Sipirok, a public kitchen was operated from January 27 to February 9. Over ten days of activity, volunteers prepared approximately 1,000 hot meals per day, ensuring that around 1,400 individuals had access to freshly cooked food while their homes remained unusable. The meals were distributed regularly, helping families maintain […]

21
Sep 2024

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Torrential Rains and Floods in Noto, Ishikawa

Much of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture has been affected by heavy rains and flooding. Inundation, river floods, and landslides in multiple locations across the area have been reported. An emergency weather warning is in effect in the region as of 15:00, September 21st, 2024. The communities impacted by the Noto Ishikawa Earthquake of January 1st this year have been severely affected by this climate disaster again. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) members have been in Wajima City and Suzu City to support the communities impacted by the earthquake since the beginning of January. The teams are in close contact with the authorities and other support organizations to assist […]

25
Jun 2024

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Webinar: Ishikawa Noto Earthquake – Six Months On

Almost six months have passed since the earthquake in the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Immediately after the earthquake, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched its members to the affected communities and has been carrying out diverse projects to support the residents in Wajima and Suzu, on the Noto Peninsula. Thanks to the generous support from donors not only in Japan but also around the world, PBV teams have been able to deliver support to those in need these months. The PBV team in Tokyo organized two information sessions in English to share updates from the ground in January and February for those willing to support the affected population […]

22
Jun 2024

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Ishikawa Noto Earthquake Emergency Response: Interim Report Published

It’s been almost six months since the devastating earthquake in Ishikawa, Japan, which occurred on January 1st this year. Immediately after the earthquake, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched a field team and has been working tirelessly ever since to support the affected communities in Ishikawa. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported us during this time. We have published an interim report to share updates on PBV’s relief efforts over the past six months. The report covers the disaster overview, ongoing efforts, and future prospects. The report is now available for download:  Ishikawa Noto Earthquake Interim Report_2024 Our efforts […]

04
Apr 2024

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Earthquakes in Taiwan: PBV Emergency Relief Fund Launched

On April 3, 2024, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Hualien City in Taiwan, shaking a wide area with a strong tremor of magnitude 6 or higher. According to Taiwanese authorities, more than nine people were killed and more than 1,000 injured (as of April 3, 2024). Rescue efforts are continuing as large-scale damage has occurred, including collapsed buildings, landslides, and falling rocks. There are fears that the damage may further expand in the future. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) has begun surveying the damage through its international network and is preparing for relief activities. PBV plans to implement relief activities based on our experience and expertise […]

11
Mar 2024

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13 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: Coordinating relief to make support tangible

March 11, 2024 marks 13 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. We remember all those lost to this disaster, and express our sincere condolences to all families impacted. March 2011, in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. Shortly after the Ishinomaki City Disaster Volunteer Centre was set up, staff of the Peace Boat Disaster Volunteer Centre (PBV) were set up in a corner receiving a constant stream of telephone calls. “We can serve 1,000 curries, but where should we go?” “‘I want to organise a soup kitchen, can you tell me if water and electricity are working, and what the situation is like in the affected areas?” At the request of […]

01
Mar 2024

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2 Months On: Continuing support for the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture

Two months have now passed since the January 1, 2024 earthquake which struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. We convey our condolences to all those affected. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) entered the area immediately after the disaster, and has since been working together with local organisations, relevant agencies and relief groups to gather information and carry out relief activities. Timeline following the Disaster January 2: PBV dispatches several staff to the area January 3: Launch of provision of hot meals and distribution of relief goods January 4: Distribution of relief goods January 5: Provision of hot meals Please see this report for details on initial activities carried […]

08
Feb 2024

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Wildfires in Central Chile: Emergency Relief Fund Launched

Wildfires began in at least four spots on February 2, 2024, and have been burning across parts of central Chile, particularly in the regions of Valparaíso, O’Higgins, and Maule resulting in casualties and damage. The authority referred to the wildfires as the worst catastrophe to hit the country since the earthquake of 2010. According to the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED), at least 112 people have lost lives following the wildfires. The worst-hit areas include Complejo las Tablas- Reserva Lago Peñuelas. In addition, the media has reported approximately 200 missing people in and around Viña del Mar City (Valparaíso).  (source: ECHO, 5 Feb 2024). Peace Boat Disaster […]

31
Jan 2024

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Photo: Shoichi Suzuki

Ishikawa Noto Earthquake English Info Session with Focus on Volunteer Activities

Almost one month has passed since the earthquake in the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The damage was extensive, with the loss of more than 230 lives, 43,000 houses damaged, and 10,000 residents still in evacuation centers (as of 29 January). Civil society organizations, including Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV), have been working closely with local governments, relevant agencies and aid organizations to provide necessary assistance to the affected population. While tireless efforts to help those in the communities in Noto continue, a couple of local volunteer centers started their activities to respond to the local needs. PBV, together with Social Innovation Japan and NGO Peace Boat, will hold […]