Shifting to Meet the Long-Term Needs of the Noto Community

Suzu Base Camp

Since the 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, Peace Winds teams have been carrying out relief and recovery activities in and around Suzu City, an area that was badly damaged in the disaster. Recently, our teams established a new base camp out of which they continue to provide support day in and day out. The camp is equipped with everything our staff need to live their own lives–such as toilets, showers, and solar power– without putting a burden on the already strained local infrastructure.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, support activities included medical care and the distribution of food, water, and essential supplies. As needs have shifted over the last several months, Peace Winds has slowly transitioned out of these areas as survivors are able to get back on their feet.

Peace Winds staff set up tents in Suzu City

Now, the greatest needs involve short-term housing. While schools that were used as evacuation centers have reopened, forcing evacuees to take shelter elsewhere, the construction of temporary housing has not kept pace. The plan is for people to move into temporary housing, small homes where they will be able to live for a few years until their homes are rebuilt. Some have been able to do that, but many others have had to relocate to new evacuation centers as the new school year approaches.

The aftermath of the earthquake remains evident in Suzu. As of April, the destruction was still easy to see when driving throughout the city; roads are lined with piles of rubble, and stop lights and telephone poles stick out at an angle.

Debris in Suzu City

Stop Lights in Suzu City

“The cherry blossoms are blooming, the swallows are back, and the world is moving forward, but Suzu still feels like it has stopped since then,” said one city employee who has been working with Peace Winds since the start of our relief activities. “But seeing everyone’s faces makes me feel better.”

Another one of the biggest remaining challenges is the lack of running water. Work to restore water lines has been ongoing since March, but there are areas where restoration has not yet begun. The prefecture’s latest report indicated that more than 5,300 homes are still without running water.

Peace Winds will continue to support the people of Suzu City through the process of long-term recovery. Our earthquake relief activities in Noto are possible in large part due to contributions from our donors. If you have not yet made a donation and would like to do so, please visit our GlobalGiving page here. We are deeply grateful for your continued support.

Peace Winds staff and evacuee in Suzu City