By Kimberly Laney | Resource Development Officer
International Medical Corps' emergency response team is on the ground with our Japan colleagues and reached the epicenter of the quake in Kumamoto. The team is mobilizing support for local communities as part of the Government of Japan’s response efforts following the earthquakes that rocked the area late last week.
“The strong response from the Government of Japan is to be commended, and our team has witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of the Japanese people in the face of these earthquakes,” said Chris Skopec, Senior Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at International Medical Corps. “International Medical Corps is deploying additional emergency response personnel to Kumamoto as well as recruiting local staff to scale up our efforts. As we learn the extent of the damage, we will work to support the government of Japan and our local partners as needed during the relief and recovery efforts.”
To date, more than 181,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Kumamoto and are staying in shelters, community centers, and outdoors. Forty-one people were killed in the two earthquakes and another 1,000 were injured, according to local disaster management authorities. In Kumamoto Prefecture, the second larger earthquake caused buildings to collapse, road damage, and mudslides and disrupted power supply for 100,000 people and water supply for 400,000 people.
In coordination with local authorities and in support of the government’s already strong response efforts, the Emergency Response Team assessed needs at four evacuation centers in Mashiki, Nishihara, Minamiaso, and Choyo, where they found that there were not enough latrines to accommodate the hundreds of people currently seeking temporary shelter. Moreover, with more than 440 recorded aftershocks, many families and individuals residing in evacuation sites are fearful to return to their homes. International Medical Corps is now working to provide emergency toilets and distribute personal hygiene items, such as soap and toothbrushes, and basic relief supplies at evacuation centers throughout the affected area. Teams are also identifying local partners to support recovery efforts in the days and weeks ahead.
International Medical Corps thanks you and the GlobalGiving community for your support as we help those affected by the earthquakes recover.
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