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Noto Earthquake Relief: Sixth Report
Today (April 4), I visited the Disaster Management Center and the evacuation centers with Mr. Kawahara from the AJU Wheel Chair Center and Mr. Suganuma of the AJU House of Self-support.
Anamizu Disaster Management Center
Those people who were at the Anamizu evacuation center moved to the public lodging house "Castle Manai". Life is better there since families can stay together in one room and they can sleep well. The next challenge is to offer creative services since their stay at the evacuation center has been prolonged. Staff and volunteers have started to discuss possible activities, such as recreation and exercises.
Monzen West Elementary School (evacuation center)
There was no damage to the partition for the temporary toilet. I appreciated the technique of Kazuki and Hinako. It seemed that the number of the evacuees has decreased. There were 15 people who contracted infectious gastroenteritis, but they were getting better.
Kuroshima Community Center (evacuation center) 
Because people were using a very small storage room as a dressing room, staff from AJU brought a partition. I heard many times that the houses can be repaired and they can return to their homes, but the storehouse was destroyed. The storehouse can keep the house effects safe from fire and robbery, but it is not strong enough to withstand an earthquake. They told me about the things they need to do, such as repairing the house and cleaning the rooms. I am impressed with their smiling faces, even in this difficult situation. The elderly women were strong! Because it was already dinner time, the Japan Self Defense Force brought meals for them. Because the water supply, including the drainage system, was working, they were able to set up washing machines.
Agishi Community center (evacuation center)
Most of the people here come from the same community, so I felt like they were one big family with 50 members. When we visited, they were preparing dinner with great teamwork. It seemed to me that they had their own system and the roles were assigned systematically.
Overall
- Those people who are still staying at their houses are encountering more
serious difficulties. Some families just stay at their house since they have a
sick family member, despite acknowledging the inconveniences. The local
government calls their houses one by one, offering the consultation services.
However, this service does not seem to be enough. They are planning other approaches.
- The temporary shelters are supposed to be built in the same community where the victims are living. Therefore, there is no need for them to move to another place. The number of applications are increasing probably because those who were not sure about moving finally did so.
- The needs of the evacuees and the local communities have moved to another stage. The focus now is on what to do with their everyday life.
- Most of the volunteers from outside the prefecture seemed to end their activity today. The period to accept volunteers has been extended, but there are still some who will stay longer. From now on, local resources may be used to respond to the needs of the people.
My first mission ends today.
The Pharmacists Association has sent volunteers to give advice to elderly. In his capacity as a member of the association, my father will take my place.
◆Past reports:
- Noto Earthquake Relief: Fifth Report
- Noto Earthquake Relief: Fourth Report
- Noto Earthquake Relief: Third Report
- Noto Earthquake Relief: Second Report
- Noto Earthquake Relief: First Report
- Help Needed: Disaster Relief for the Noto Earthquake
