Open Japan Earthquake Disaster Relief Activity Report March 14-15
The most requests submitted by distraught residents in Noto are for the removal of walls that have collapsed or are in danger of collapsing.
Reconstruction of major public roads are managed by the government. Damages from this earthquake is so expansive and labors have been stretching thin. As a result, over 2 months have passed, but reconstruction effort still couldn't reach smaller residential streets yet, which are key passageways connecting the communities.
To relief the workload, OPEN JAPAN and the Council of Social Welfare are working together to clear debris in residential streets so school children can safely walk to school, and local residents can once again access and resume to normal activities.
The team spent a few days at Udezu, a small town where houses cluster along the coastline and up the slope.
The reinforced-concrete retaining wall had collapsed, blocking access to some of the houses. In addition, harsh winter weather in Noto has been hindering reconstruction process for some time so residents have been cut off from access.
Until last week, when weather yield ways, the team was finally able to carry out their activities of removing the boulders, clearing the narrow residential streets. The residents can now pass safely through the area.
Where do all the resources come from?
As a non-government organization, Open Japan relies on corporate sponsors and private donations like the campaign we are running. For example, Komatsu, the famous Japanese yellow-color heavy equipment maker donate and loan-out excavator and dozers whenever Open Japan carry-out their relief work in disaster-hit regions. Other organizations and foundations provide various supports including dump trucks deployment.
Disaster relief takes various people working together to drive big changes.
Reconstruction is slowly in progress.
One home at a time, one street at a time.
And we need your continuous support.
If you resonate with our story of resilience from Noto, please pledge your support to Open Japan's disaster relief work.
Visit our Noto Disaster Relief designated page here.
Or our blog at Goenne Japan.
We are also pledging to donate $10 for each order received at goenne.com for the months of February, March and April. This is a great opportunity to help rebuilding the earth-quake shattered region while you support our partnering local artisans. Help keep the momentum going!!
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Rural Rebuild and Revitalization
We are anticipating a lot of challenge in rebuilding these small towns, while many young people, business owners and craftsmen are already planning to relocate to other cities permanently. This will add to further loss of population and reduction in economic activities in Noto region. There is no quick way to rebuild, and it takes a lot to sustain the effort. So join us, follow this journey of resilient and recovery, even when you don't hear much about the earthquake on the media anymore.
4 ways you can support Noto Earthquake Disaster Relief:
(1) Make a donation at our GoFundMe page. $1, $5, $10... any amount will be put to good use.
(2) Subscribe our blog, Follow our IG. See your Donation at work.
(3) Share with more people.
(4) Make any purchase at Goenne Japan. We pledge to donate $10 for each purchase you make during Feb, March, April. So while getting beautiful handmade craft goods from Japan you will also be making a donation!
Who is OPEN JAPAN?
Open Japan is a Disaster Relief NGO rooted in 1995 Kobe's earthquake and formalized in 2011 after the East Japan Earthquake. Over the years, they have built expertise in disaster relief works and have traveled throughout the country whenever a natural disaster strikes. They work with first responders, Japan National Self-defense Force and municipalities to rescue survivors, search for the missing, to deliver supplies and warm food at shelters, clearing debris of collapse roads and houses etc... They help keep things moving during the most urgent moments after disasters strike. The organization is sustained through individual volunteer help, donations and corporate sponsors.
If you have any question, insight or idea about this disaster relief initiative, please feel free to contact us!
All image usage rights granted by Open Japan.