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Japan's Earthquake: Looking Back, One Year Later
On March 11, 2011, the northeastern coast of Japan was struck by a 9.0 earthquake, setting off tsunamis that killed 21,784 people and left 3,650 missing and 71,565 homeless. More than 300,00 buildings and homes collapsed.
Beginning March 14, 2011, Good Neighbors dispatched an emergency relief team to the Iwate region to survey the site and begin distributing emergency supplies. Below is a breakdown of our relief efforts in the region:
1.) Emergency Relief Goods Distribution
March 16, 2011-April 22, 2011: While in Iwate Prefecture, our emergency relief team responded to damaged primary schools and education centers and began distributing emergency relief goods. Good Neighbors also partnered with Canon and Brita to donate printers and water purifiers to classrooms.
2.) Sanitation Support Projects
Good Neighbors has been responding to needs at 20 shelters and homeless centers, installing shower facilities and setting up a volunteer center to operate the facilities.
3.) Children’s Support Program: Nursery Expansion Project at Carmichael
Good Neighbors has been working on expanding a nursery in Carmichael to provide childcare for families, surveying needs in the area and working with a local parish on what educational supplies are necessary.
4.) Emotional Support Workshops
After the quake, many young people experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Good Neighbors provided therapy programs and workshops for students in middle school and high school, and collaborated with kindergarten and nursery school teachers to set up emotional support and recreational activities for younger children.
5.) Volunteer Operations
Good Neighbors’ disaster relief volunteer center was set up in Otsuchi and operated by a volunteer coordinator. From the center, volunteers were quickly dispatched to areas in need throughout Japan.
We’d like to thank our generous donors for their support of our emergency relief projects. We’re continuing our efforts in Japan to this day and look forward to providing the people of Japan with the shelter, food, supplies, and support they need to rebuild their lives.
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