31
Jul 2026

0

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 […]

29
Jul 2026

0

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 […]

19
Jan 2021

0

Update: Relief efforts in Kumamoto continue

Evacuation Center Support for Kuma-mura residents The torrential rains and severe floods hit Kumamoto Prefecture in July 2020. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) started logistics support to the relief organizations based in Kumamoto and neighboring prefectures immediately after the disaster. In response to the request from the prefectural government of Kumamoto and local government of Kuma-mura, YMCA Kumamoto and PBV provided operational support at the evacuation shelter for the residents affected by the disaster. PBV team and YMCA Kumamoto had been supporting the residents at the Former Taragi High School evacuation center from mid-August to the end of October when the center was closed. It was the first time for […]

14
Jul 2020

0

July 2020 Torrential Rains: PBV’s Relief Projects Launched

Record-breaking downpours since July 3rd 2020 have caused devastating and widespread damage throughout Japan, including the Kyushu region. Flooding and landslides have been reported and it is likely that more time will be required to grasp the entire scope of the damages. Please stay safe as heavy rains are still ongoing in some regions. Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) has been concerned about the combination of a natural disaster with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the residents affected by the widespread disaster have been facing enormous challenges. PBV is implementing relief projects with Kyushu-based organizations with whom we have collaborated in past relief efforts. As an initial response, hygiene and […]

01
Jun 2018

0

Two Years Since the Kumamoto Earthquake, The State of Kumamoto

We visited Kumamoto two years after the Kumamoto earthquake.                       In April 2016, Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV) dispatched staff to the disaster site from April 16 immediately after the main shock occurred. and started disaster relief work. Until the end of December we carried out eight projects in Kumamoto city, Mashiki, Nishihara village and Minamiaso village, among others. One of the projects that we took part in was a request from Mashiki town office to support the evacuation shelters and the management of shelters by residents and administrative officials at Grand Messe Kumamoto and Hiroyasu Elementary School. […]

01
Jun 2018

0

Two years after the Kumamoto earthquake, staff interview

Two years have passed since the Kumamoto earthquake of April 2016. The Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV) was established seven years ago, following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The Kumamoto earthquake was PBV’s second time large-scale disaster response following an earthquake. PBV stayed on site and provided direct support for about 8 months. Many young people chose to work with non-profit organisations following their experience working with PBV in the area affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. For this interview we will be talking with two current PBV staff members.           KUMON Hiroki Nickname: Monmon From Saga Prefecture, 27 years old   […]