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 official reports.
In many communities, residents continue to face water and power outages, while daily temperatures have exceeded 30°C, creating especially difficult conditions for families already coping with damaged homes. PBV teams have listened to residents’ concerns, assessed damage, and worked with local partners to determine the most appropriate forms of assistance at each stage of the response.
As relief activities expanded, PBV began distributing emergency relief supplies in areas including Uki City, while continuing damage assessments and information sharing with partner organizations. Staff have been working in rotating shifts, holding coordination meetings late into the evening to ensure that support reaches communities as efficiently as possible. The team is also carefully monitoring whether assistance is being distributed evenly and identifying areas where additional support may still be needed.
To strengthen relief operations, two FOOBOUR Project kitchen trucks departed from Aichi Prefecture on July 31 to support affected communities in Kumamoto. Once on site, the vehicles will provide hot meals and distribute relief supplies, helping expand PBV’s emergency assistance to disaster survivors.
Even several days after the earthquake, transportation disruptions and suspended postal services have continued to affect daily life, making it difficult for some residents—particularly those without access to private vehicles—to obtain essential supplies. For this reason, on-the-ground assessments remain a critical part of PBV’s response, allowing staff to identify unmet needs that cannot be captured through official reports alone.
PBV has also been deeply encouraged by the many heartfelt messages and generous donations received from individuals and organizations across Japan and around the world. Together with our partners, we remain committed to turning this support into practical assistance for those affected and helping communities recover with dignity, safety, and hope.
We sincerely thank everyone for their continued support and cooperation.
