Emergency Response to Japan Earthquake

International Medical Corps' Emergency Response team arrived in Kumamoto, Japan, this past weekend, to support the Government of Japan’s response efforts following the April 14 and April 16 earthquakes. On April 19, in coordination with local authorities, the team delivered temporary emergency latrines to two evacuation centers in Mashiki to ease the growing strain on hygiene resources. One of the centers, which opened after the first earthquake hit on April 14, was damaged in the larger 7.0-magnitude earthquake that followed and is now accommodating thousands of people who are sleeping in their cars in the parking lot.

The team will provide additional toilets to other evacuation centers across Kumamoto in an effort to accommodate the hundreds of people currently seeking temporary shelter. International Medical Corps is also working to set up temporary showers and distribute personal hygiene items and basic relief supplies at evacuation centers. Moving forward, International Medical Corps is identifying local partners to support ongoing recovery efforts.

Casualties from the earthquakes now reaches at least 44 with an additional 1,100 people injured. On the island of Kyushu, where the earthquakes occurred, rescue personnel are still trying to access villages in remote mountainous areas that are cut off by damaged roads and landslides. More than 1,000 evacuation centers of varying size have been established by the Japanese government and local relief organizations. The government is providing food, but has stated that additional food items, as well as water, medical services, and relief supplies, are still needed, and is scaling support.  

We thank you for your continued support as we work to address identified needs and support relief and recovery in Japan.