Emergency Response: Floods in Japan Update

Emergency Response: Floods in Japan Update

PBV has launched emergency relief operations in response to the flooding which has affected parts of Japan in the past week.

Described as a “once-in-50-years” event, exceptionally heavy rains caused by Typhoon Etau have severely impacted communities across Ibaraki, Miyagi and Tochigi Prefectures. Flooding and landslides which occurred on 10^th September claimed lives and damaged thousands of homes.

The Flooding in Figures

• Flooding above floor-level (床上浸水): 7,093 houses
• Flooding below floor-level (床下浸水): 11,688 houses
• Evacuation Centres established: 56 centres
• Number of Evacuees: 2,744 people

(Source: Cabinet Office, as of 16^th September 2015)

On 11^th September, PBV dispatched an advanced team to the affected areas to conduct a rapid needs assessment and coordinate with other organisations on the ground, including local Social Welfare Councils, nonprofits and government agencies.

Having conducted a thorough needs assessment, PBV has decided to carry out relief operations in Joso City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Joso City was devastated by the flooding of the Kinugawa River, and many houses in the area were completely washed away. After the river burst its banks, the floodwater reached above several meters in height, changing the landscape dramatically as buildings, cars and critical infrastructure were destroyed.

In Joso City alone, 4,400 homes were flooded above floor-level (床上浸水) and 6,600 homes were flooded below floor-level (床下浸水), according to Ibaraki Prefectural Government. Over 1,000 residents are taking refuge in 17 evacuation centres. Lifelines, such as electricity and water, are yet to be restored in all areas.

Joso Disaster Volunteer Centre has been set up and volunteers are providing assistance to evacuees and helping to clean damaged houses. Over Silver Week (19-23 September), there is expected to be a large number of volunteers who will be helping in the area.

PBV staff and trained “volunteer leaders” will be helping Joso Disaster Volunteer Centre to take in, manage and dispatch teams safely and effectively during this time. Smoother operations in the Disaster Volunteer Centre will enable volunteers to reach more community members and provide higher quality assistance. 

We will continue to work closely with the Social Welfare Council, community members and nonprofits to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.

After Silver Week, PBV may recruit volunteers to help with providing relief to evacuees, cleaning homes, or whichever activities are deemed most necessary, depending on the situation on the ground.

We will continue to work with the people of Joso as they rebuild their lives after the flooding.

Please donate to support those affected via the link below.