A magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked Kumamoto prefecture on April 14 and a series of aftershocks continue to destabilize the situation. In response, AAR Japan has entered Kumamoto to provide emergency relief and will continue distribution of food and NFIs, running hotpot kitchens near evacuation centers, assistance to special facilities for Persons with Disabilities. Our efforts aim to expedite early recovery of the survivors and to accelerate their return to normal life.
The quakes forced approximately 200,000 to flee their homes for safety. In expansive areas in Kumamoto, lifelines of water, electricity or gas has been severed by the quakes. The displaced populations in evacuation centers are forced into urgent need for food supplies and living necessities to sustain life. Meanwhile, the needs of PWDs and other vulnerable groups have not received sufficient attention under the current circumstances.
AAR Japan has dispatched the emergency response team to the affected areas to implement relief efforts such as follows: 1) Erecting hotpot kitchens to cook meals (curry, rice balls, miso soup etc) around/in evacuation centers to serve the affected populations. 2) Distributing NFIs such as diapers, clothes, feminine hygiene products, food and etc. 3) Conducting needs-assessment on communities of PWDs to implement timely and appropriate support to the group.
AAR Japan headquartered in Tokyo has a liaison office in Saga prefecture on Kyushu Island, which can assure sustainable and long-term assistance to Kumamoto.
