Japan Disaster: Relief & Recovery

July 2023: Emergency Support Following Torrential Rains, Flooding, and Mudslides in Southwestern Japan

On July 10, 2023, emergency warnings were issued in Oita and Fukuoka Prefectures on Japan’s Kyushu Island where torrential rains are causing floods and mudslides. According to the Associated Press, two people have now died, six people are missing, and more than 1.7 million residents were urged to take shelter. The rainfall has continued at a rate of more than 1.3 inches per hour, increasing the risk of damage to homes, roads, and water supply lines. 

Peace Winds is currently working with evacuation shelters and health clinics in Fukuoka and neighboring Saga Prefecture. Three members of ARROWS, Peace Winds’ airborne search-and-rescue team, have been dispatched to the area to assess the damage and needs of survivors who have been forced to flee their homes.  

Unfortunately, these types of natural disasters are not new to western Japan. Peace Winds has responded in the wake of a number of typhoons and floods over the last several years, providing support ranging from search-and-rescue activities to medical support to distribution of emergency relief supplies.

In addition to short-term aid, Peace Winds staff members remain active in disaster-stricken areas to provide medium- and long-term support. For example, Peace Winds continues to support residents of Hiroshima who were displaced by heavy rains in 2018. Community centers host disaster-preparedness workshops and community-building activities for people living in temporary housing following natural disasters.

Peace Winds knows that the recovery process after severe flooding and mudslides is long, and survivors will need a lot of support to get back to their “normal” lives. We will remain in southwestern Japan providing aid for as long as it is needed and will bring updates as soon as we are able. We thank you for your continued support.