Disaster Response

DISASTER RESPONSE

Disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods occur frequently not only in Japan but also worldwide, often causing immense damage. The Salvation Army provides prompt support for recovery, helping those who have lost their homes, communities, and families to rebuild their lives with dignity.

The Salvation Army operates based on the following three principles to ensure that all people can live a dignified life:

Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, a major disaster that primarily affected Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in 2011, prompted the Salvation Army to provide encouragement to those affected and support the rebuilding of their lives in cooperation with local NPOs.

In Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture, we partnered with Onagawa Mukai Gakukan (NPO Katariba) to support children, who were a high priority in the reconstruction and regeneration of the town. We opened a study support center to provide not only lessons but also a place for making friends, counseling, event planning, and creative activities, aiming to provide comprehensive psychological support for the children.

In Minamisanriku-cho, we supported "NPO Biba! Minamisanriku," which assists elderly people in living healthy and purposeful lives, operating cultural center activities such as craft clubs, calligraphy, pottery making, and bus tours. Additionally, we provided support by implementing a human resources program for the elderly, engaging them in park maintenance, cemetery cleaning, and supporting local industries.

In Tome City, we collaborated with NPO Kanami no Mori to provide immediate care and guidance for children with intellectual disabilities following the earthquake. People with disabilities faced significant dangers and challenges in their lives after the earthquake. The Salvation Army is helping these individuals learn how to interact and communicate effectively with others in their community.

Western Japan Torrential Rain and Floods (2018)

The heavy rains in western Japan in July 2018 caused extensive damage, particularly in Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures.

With the collaboration of the Salvation Army Children's Family Support Center "Ashitaba," local government, and Christian churches in Hiroshima, volunteers from across the country gathered to launch the Christian Church-Hiroshima Disaster Countermeasures Office and Kure Volunteer Center to conduct support activities. In addition to purchasing essential supplies like scoops, sprayers, sandbags, and disinfectants with funds from temporary Christmas Kettle campaigns and central disaster relief funds, drinking water donated by Ginza "Matsuya" was utilized.

Furthermore, Mr. Tamotsu Yoshida, the director of Aikoen, played a central role in the Christian Disaster Relief Center, implementing an "accommodation project" that rented five churches and one group's synagogue and facilities. This initiative utilized water supply aids, high-pressure washers, shovels, and sandbags to clear houses and roads, remove sandbags and debris, and clean houses and gardens. Over 1,000 volunteers from churches and organizations nationwide participated in this effort.

Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (1995)

At 5:46 am on Tuesday, January 17, 1995, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the Hanshin region, causing widespread destruction and numerous casualties. With transportation, telecommunications, electricity, gas, and water services severely disrupted, the Salvation Army initiated support activities from the evening of the 17th. Blankets, comforters, food, underwear, drinking water, daily necessities (paper diapers, powdered milk, sanitary goods, wet wipes), dry batteries, clothing, hand warmers, and other relief supplies were distributed to people throughout Kobe City, Amagasaki City, Itami City, and Osaka City. These efforts continued for over six months.

On January 26, a medical team from the Salvation Army in the United States arrived in Kobe and joined the medical team at the Salvation Army Booth Memorial Hospital in Tokyo to provide free medical care to the victims.

On March 4, a canteen car (mobile lunch vehicle) from the Salvation Army in the United States arrived and provided hot beverages such as coffee and tea to the victims in shelters and temporary housing.