Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits Japan, Interrupting Flood Recovery.

Japan continues to recover from deadly floods that struck in early July. Over 220 people died, most of them 65 and older. Peace Winds is supporting and monitoring operations at evacuation centers in Mihara and Kure, Hiroshima and in Kurashiki, Okayama.   The urgency of fully transitioning to clean-up and recovery is increasing. However, the record-breaking heat wave is making clean up conditions unsafe and is slowing the pace of recovery.

Over 30,000 have been hospitalized for heat-related illness, with over 77 fatalities.  Temperatures have consistently reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit since July 16 and are expected to continue. The elderly are particularly affected by these conditions and represent a majority of the deaths and hospitalizations of the heat wave.

Many residents are returning to their homes to evaluate damages and clean what remains and then returning to the evacuation shelters at night to sleep and receive supplies. Many of these homes are completely surrounded by debris. People are in the hot and humid weather hauling and moving debris, putting them at high risk for dehydration and heat stroke.  The elderly over age 60 are even more vulnerable to the heat.

Over 4,000 people are still living in evacuation shelters.  Many do not have air conditioning, several are in areas where water systems remain closed. USAID/OFDA just provided a grant to Peace Winds to assist with emergency support including increasing distribution of water and expanding mobile health clinic operations to provide care to heat illnesses.

READ MORE about Peace Winds’ response in Japan.

DONATE HERE to support victims of the Western Japan Floods.