【Kumamoto-1】Responding to earthquake in Kumamoto

Following the earthquakes last month in Kumamoto prefecture in Japan, Habitat for Humanity Japan has joined the emergency response effort to bring support to survivors of this major disaster.
In what is coming to be known as the Tohoku disaster, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck the island of Kyushu located in southwestern Japan on 14 April. This was followed by a magnitude 7.3 quake two days later. These quakes and aftershocks caused major damage in the Kumamoto and Oita prefectures. The disaster left 49 people killed, many more injured, with numerous collapsed buildings.
Responding to this disaster, Habitat Japan assigned two staff for initial damage assessment in the earthquake affected region. As a result of this assessment, Habitat Japan decided to support disaster relief in Nishihara in Kumamoto prefecture. Since 26 April, Habitat Japan staff have been stationed in Nishihara to support operations at the disaster volunteer center. This center was set up by the local social welfare council to mobilize volunteers to respond to the needs of those affected by the earthquakes. Volunteer assistance has included cleaning up the inside of homes, as well as removing earthquake debris and rubble from damaged communities.
As part of the response Habitat Japan is implementing a "100 days response plan" for the relief and early recovery stages in Nishihara, called "Youth for Kumamoto". This name was chosen since Habitat Japan is recognized as a volunteer organization that mobilizes youth, and focuses on shelter.
The "100 days response plan" includes the following:
1. Support the operations at the disaster volunteer center, to mobilize volunteers to respond to the needs of the families that were affected by the quakes.
2. Mobilize youth from Habitat for Humanity Japan campus chapters.
3. Deliver information related to the revitalization of homes.

This disaster response program in Kumamoto is supported by numerous donors including Alwaleed Philanthropies. Habitat for Humanity Japan wishes to thank Alwaleed Philanthropies for their support during this time of crisis. This disaster response will continue until the end of July, with the aim to support the rebuilding of homes and communities in Nishihara.