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 […]

05
Mar 2026

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PBV Supports Typhoon Ragasa Recovery in Hualien, Taiwan

Super Typhoon Ragasa tore through eastern Taiwan on 23 September 2025, unleashing catastrophic flooding across the Hualien region after a landslide dam on the Matai’an Stream burst its banks. The townships of Guangfu, Wanrong, and Fenglin bore the brunt of the disaster. Guangfu — sitting at the lowest elevation — was hit hardest, with more than 1,600 homes engulfed in thick, muddy silt. Roads were severed, power lines brought down, and medical access cut off, leaving thousands of residents in acute distress. Authorities had confirmed 19 deaths, with five people still missing and 157 others injured by 12 October. The destruction did not end with the storm. Subsequent aftershocks compounded […]

20
Feb 2026

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Monitoring Visit to Our Relief Efforts in North Sumatra, Indonesia

From February 8 to 12, PBV staff visited Indonesia to observe our ongoing relief operations, distribute hot meals and relief supplies, and monitor the progress of our assistance efforts. Our relief activities in Indonesia are carried out in close coordination with our local partner, ASAR Humanity, a trusted NGO with a strong track record of collaboration. We have worked together in response to past disasters in Indonesia. In Sipirok, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra Province, hot meals were provided in a community where more than 100 households have been taking shelter in tents and warehouses.  Approximately 1,000 meals per day—covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner—were prepared and distributed to those affected by […]

20
Jan 2026

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Cebu Earthquake Response: Paving the Way to Community Recovery

On January 10, 2026, the support project for earthquake-affected communities in Cebu, Philippines, was successfully completed in cooperation with local partners. Through this project, we delivered water tanks and buckets to 1,013 households and provided shelter repair kits, including corrugated metal sheets, plywood, nails, and wire, to 136 households. We also distributed 60 sets of carpentry tools for shared use within the communities that received the repair kits. As recovery efforts for severely damaged homes progressed, residents began repairing partially damaged homes using the provided repair kits. While the timing of repairs has varied depending on each household’s financial situation and the need to purchase additional materials, the support has […]

05
Jan 2026

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Delivering Safe Water and Supporting Recovery in Cebu

In Cebu, Philippines, many people are still facing difficult living conditions due to the earthquake that struck on September 30 and the typhoon that followed. PBV continues to carry out relief activities in close collaboration with local partners. In Medellin, a municipality in northern Cebu, PBV worked together with local organizations Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) and Safe Water for Every Child Philippines to install water purification systems. During a site visit by PBV staff in early December, a pump was installed as part of the repairs to the water facility. Clear water began flowing again by the next day, and the restoration has provided access to safe water for […]

13
Dec 2025

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On the Ground in Cebu to Advance Water Access and Community Recovery

From December 4 to 7, the PBV team conducted a field visit to monitor ongoing activities and plan the next steps in supporting communities in Medellin, Cebu, Philippines. The area was severely affected by an earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu on September 30, and the damage was compounded by Typhoon Kalmaegi (local name Tino), which hit central Philippines on November 4. Water towers collapsed in many areas, and water systems have yet to be restored in numerous communities. This has made it difficult for many residents to access safe drinking water. From the early stages of the response, PBV has deployed staff to the area and, together […]

10
Sep 2025

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Progress of the Re-Gait Rehabilitation Project in Ukraine

The rehabilitation project led by Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) in collaboration with UNBROKEN Rehabilitation Centre in Lviv and with the supervision of Prof. Louis Yuge of Hiroshima University, using the innovative Re-Gait device, continues to bring positive results in Ukraine. Since the device was introduced, it has become an important tool in helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life after leg injuries. We stay in regular contact with physical therapist Dr. Liubov Koloshynska, who visited Japan for hands-on training with the Re-Gait system. Each month, we learn about the progress of patients and the benefits the device provides in everyday rehabilitation. Over the past month: Therapists […]

22
Aug 2025

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PBV’s Ongoing Support in Kagoshima: Emergency Relief and Recovery Efforts

Ten days have passed since Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) launched emergency operations in response to the record-breaking heavy rains that struck Kagoshima Prefecture and other parts of Kyushu earlier this month. Over the past week, our teams have been working on multiple fronts to support the affected communities while coordinating closely with local governments, social welfare councils, NGOs, and volunteer groups. PBV has carried out detailed damage assessments in the hardest-hit areas of Kirishima City and Aira City, listening to residents and local officials to better understand the needs on the ground. Based on these assessments, our teams delivered emergency supplies, including bottled water and air circulators, to evacuation […]

10
Aug 2025

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Torrential Rain in Southern Kyushu; Emergency Relief Fund Launched

In response to the relentless rainfall that has been pounding southern Kyushu since early August 8, PBV has deployed a team to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. The initial supply of 100 cases of bottled water has been procured from our Saga office and transported to the affected areas to support immediate needs. The focus of our assessment is on areas severely impacted by the floods, particularly in Kirishima City and Aira City in Kagoshima Prefecture. Local authorities have been engaged to gather firsthand information about the current situation as part of the investigation. As survey activities continue, PBV is carefully considering subsequent steps to provide effective assistance. The […]