Kumamoto relief and recovery efforts wrapping ahead of three-year anniversary
April 14th through the 16th, 2019 marks the third anniversary of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Peace Winds reflects on the progress made in supporting victims affected by the disasters. In the months following the series of earthquakes that struck the Kumamoto Prefecture, residents were provided shelter. First Peace Winds provided tents and evacuation centers, and then temporary shelters while the Government built temporary housing for 1,500 families. This temporary housing was in the Mashiki suburb of Kumamoto and housed in 18 temporary shelter complexes.
With the support of Peace Winds, 516 families have transitioned from temporary shelters to government housing (see below), rebuilt their former homes or have settled in affordable private housing. Although many families have been successfully resettled today, approximately 270 families remain in the Tekuno Temporary Housing Complex.
Peace Winds in collaboration with Shizuyo Yoshimura, Mashiki community township leader, have worked closely to support those living in temporary housing. Activities have included community and holiday events, construction of playgrounds, arts and crafts programming, and music festivals and karaoke events. Peace Winds, with one of the local universities, have provided financial and insurance assistance, assisted residents secure employment, and provided person-power to help residents move.
Peace Winds would like to recognize Yoshimura-san for her invaluable contributions to disaster victims as well as the day-to-day operations of the complex. Although she no longer resides within the complex Yoshimura-san continues to aid residents, specifically, working with the elderly, women, and girls.
Further, Peace Winds supported programming for residents who were unable to continue caring for the pets at the temporary complexes. Peace Winds funded animal shelters, transported animals to the shelters, and facilitated adoption programs for those abandoned. The city government provided limited financial support to dog shelters, and provided none to cat shelters. To support the adoption programs for cats, an NGO based in Tokyo began a program to facilitate the adoption of abandoned animals.
Over the course of three years, Peace Winds provided sanctuary to residents of Kumamoto, built community, and cared for vulnerable, abandoned pets. As we conclude programming as of 2019, Peace Winds is moving forward knowing that families are on the road to recovery post-disaster. We wish to express our thanks to those who contributed to the Kumamoto relief and recovery program. We are especially grateful to the Kumamoto Kenjin Kai of Seattle, led by Calvin Terada, who provided unwavering support throughout relief and recovery efforts.