USJC Earthquake Relief Fund Report - US-Japan Council

The USJC Earthquake Relief Fund Proudly Supported:
WWW.CIVIC-FORCE.ORG/ENGLISH
Civic Force is a Japanese non-profit focused on providing immediate relief to victims of natural disasters in
Japan. A member of Japan Platform, Civic Force has been working to respond to emergencies in Japan since
the 2004 Niigata earthquake. Their mission includes reaching out to the citizens of Japan to raise awareness
for disaster victims to foster volunteerism.
Civic Force established a presence in Tohoku one day after the Great East Japan Earthquake and began
providing relief supplies. Civic Force’s total emergency aid amounted to 380 tons and included items ranging
from food to appliances and clothing. In addition to meeting the immediate needs of victims, Civic Force led
two initiatives to help bring normalcy back to Tohoku.
First, Civic Force identified a problem in Oshima, an island with more than 3,000 residents. The people of
Oshima depended on a fleet of seven ships to connect to Kesennuma on the mainland. The tsunami
destroyed all seven ships, leaving Oshima residents stranded without any medical, material or economic ties
to the relief efforts. Civic Force brokered a deal with a car ferry to resume service to Kesennuma. This
allowed for increased aid and also provided freedom of movement. The ferry was also used to transport
temporary housing to the island.
Second, recognizing the stress and sanitation issues inherent to life in evacuation shelters, Civic Force
worked to bring Japanese-style baths to Minamisanriku. Hand-crafted temporary baths and showers allowed
evacuees, who were living in shelters without running water, to get out of their cramped living spaces,
maintain hygiene and even relax. Civic Force gradually handed the operation of these facilities to local
authorities so that the town can continue to use them as needed.
Civic Force has now shifted their activities from relief to rebuilding, and continues to partner with local
organizations and governments across Tohoku, providing logistical support, volunteer manpower and
funding.
Volunteers making oyster and scallop
cultivation rafts with local fisherman to
support recovery of fishery on Oshima.
Civic Force delivers supplies to
Oshima using the ferry.
Photo Credit: Civic Force
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