Emergency Assistance for Typhoon-Damaged Town in Japan

November 1, 2011

AmeriCares delivered emergency relief to help residents of Kumanogawa, a Japanese town battered by strong September typhoons, which triggered flooding in parts of Miyagi, one of the regions devastated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The flooding forced the evacuation of 2,500 people, including 500 earthquake survivors living in shelters.

The remote town, located where several mountain rivers converge, suffered the worst flooding in 130 years as a result of the typhoons. Homes, schools and health care facilities suffered significant damage, but because recovery efforts are still focused on the earthquake and tsunami, the town’s residents were in great need of assistance.

After dispatching a member of its Japan team to assess needs, AmeriCares provided new clean up equipment — including desperately needed generators, lights, shovels, and rain gear as well as 1000 liters in gasoline—to help the clean-up efforts. The cleanup, led by Peace Boat, a partner that has played an active role in the restoration of tsunami-ravaged Ishinimaki, will continue recruiting volunteers to make it possible for residents to return to their homes.

In the aftermath of the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, AmeriCares continues its steadfast commitment to help survivors recover and rebuild. Our in-country office in Sendai will oversee distribution of $8 million in aid, with plans to work on helping Japan’s long-term recovery for up to three years.