News

04
Aug 2026

Kumamoto Earthquake: PBV Continues Emergency Relief and Needs Assessments

Following the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) has continued its emergency response across the affected region, working closely with local governments, Social Welfare Councils, partner organizations, and community members to identify urgent needs and deliver appropriate support. In the first days after the disaster, PBV staff conducted field assessments in Kashima Town, Uki City, Yatsushiro City, and other affected areas while coordinating with local authorities and disaster response organizations. Although official information continues to emerge, visiting communities directly has remained essential to understanding the full extent of the damage and identifying people whose needs may not yet be reflected in […]

31
Jul 2026

LaunchGood Doubles Your Donation to Support Kumamoto Earthquake Relief

Following the devastating earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) has been responding on the ground to assess the needs of affected communities and provide emergency assistance. As recovery efforts continue, support from people around the world will play an important role in helping communities begin to rebuild. We have been deeply encouraged by the many heartfelt messages and generous donations received from across Japan. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has already shown their support. As response activities continue, additional assistance will help us reach even more people affected by this disaster. To further support the emergency response, LaunchGood has launched […]

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Disaster Relief, Earthquake, emergency relief, Kumamoto, LaunchGood, Peace Boat

29
Jul 2026

Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake in Kumamoto: Emergency Relief Fund Launched

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the earthquake. On July 28, 2026, a strong earthquake registering a maximum seismic intensity of 7 (preliminary magnitude 7.1) struck Kumamoto Prefecture. Strong shaking was felt across a wide area of Kyushu, and a tsunami advisory was temporarily issued for nearby coastal regions before being lifted at 18:10 JST. While the full extent of the impact is still being assessed, significant damage has already been reported, including collapsed buildings, fires, and landslides. In 2016, a maximum intensity 7 foreshock struck Kumamoto, followed approximately 28 hours later by an equally powerful mainshock. Because major secondary tremors remain a serious risk, continued […]

16
Jul 2026

New Documentary Highlights the Importance of Community-Led Disaster Response

A new documentary, Right Help, Right Time, has been released by the Australian initiative Beyond Disaster, exploring how communities around the world respond when disasters strike. The film is now available to watch online and features lessons and experiences from several countries, including Japan. In 2024, the Beyond Disaster team visited the Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) office as part of their global research on spontaneous disaster volunteers and community resilience. During their journey, they interviewed disaster responders, community leaders, and volunteers to learn how communities organize and support one another during emergencies. The documentary shares stories from New Zealand, Japan, Türkiye, Syria, the United Kingdom, the United States, Chile, […]

13
Jul 2026

June 2026 Torrential Rain: PBV Staff Dispatched to Kagoshima Prefecture

Following the torrential rains on June 24, 2026, Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture recorded more than 100 millimeters of rainfall in a single hour. The intense rainfall caused irrigation canals and rivers to overflow in several areas of the city. In the Nagatoshi district, 24 residents were temporarily trapped in their homes before being rescued. Flooding affected more than 100 residential buildings across the city. At the request of the Kagoshima Prefectural Council of Social Welfare, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) dispatched a specialized housing preservation team to begin relief operations. Working closely with local organizations, the team is gathering information, assessing damage, and identifying the support needed to respond […]

19
Jun 2026

Building Connections and Future Preparedness Through the PBV–JDI Partnership

Disclaimer: This is an English translated summary of the article originally posted in Japanese. Should you wish to read the original article, visit the PBV Japanese website: https://pbv.or.jp/blog/?p=38067 The collaboration between PBV and Deloitte Tohmatsu Group’s “Just Do It!! Regional Initiative” (JDI) extends beyond physical labor. Through the operation of community gathering spaces, which is one of PBV’s community support activities, and meticulous flyer distribution efforts to inform residents about these gatherings, JDI members have also deeply empathized with people’s emotions. Initially, they admitted to moments of hesitation, wondering “how to approach people.” However, as they spent time together, laughing and playing games at the gathering spaces, they quickly became […]

15
Jun 2026

Over 100 Volunteers Supporting Recovery in Noto: Deloitte Tohmatsu Group’s Pro Bono Team in Action

Disclaimer: This is an English translated summary of the article originally posted in Japanese. Should you wish to read the original article, visit the PBV Japanese website: https://pbv.or.jp/blog/?p=38067 This article introduces the diverse partner companies and organizations collaborating with PBV. This time, we focus on a partnership example in which “internal members are dispatched as disaster volunteers to the site,” directly responding to the rapidly changing needs of the affected area with reliable personnel and proactive action. It has been two and a half years since the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurred in January 2024. As the support needed by the disaster-hit area evolves daily, there are reassuring partners who continue […]

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News
Deloitte, Disaster Relief, Noto recovery, Pro Bono

09
Jun 2026

Emergency Relief: M7.8 Earthquake Hits Mindanao, Philippines

On June 8, 2026, at approximately 8:38 AM (JST), a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near Mindanao, Philippines. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) immediately began gathering information with our local partner, Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (BMFI)—an NGO with 30 years of experience in the region. Reports confirm severe damage, including the collapse of schools, shopping centers, and residential buildings, primarily in the southern part of the island. According to local disaster management authorities, the impact has unfortunately resulted in dozens of casualties, hundreds of injuries, and widespread displacement across the region. Given the scale of the disaster, PBV and BMFI have officially decided to launch a joint emergency relief operation. […]

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News
Disaster Relief, Donate, emergency relief, Mindanao, Philippines

13
May 2026

Rebuilding Lives on Catanduanes Island: Six Months of Recovery Support in the Philippines

PBV has been supporting communities on Catanduanes Island in the central Philippines after Typhoon Fung-wong, made landfall last November and caused widespread damage. Working with its local partner, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network, Inc. (PDRRN), PBV has so far distributed hygiene and household supply kits to 209 families in communities in the northern part of the island. Efforts are now focused on repairing damaged homes, installing temporary shelters, and restoring water and sanitation facilities. Even months after the typhoon, recovery on Catanduanes remains difficult. The island has been repeatedly hit by heavy rain and strong winds since the disaster, slowing the restoration of basic infrastructure. Flooding and landslides have worsened […]

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