Japan response continues
CWS staff member Takeshi Komino reFlects on his visit
March 30, 2011
Response Continues
People search display boards for information about missing loved ones. Thousands are still missing. Photo by Takeshi Komino, CWS/ACT.
PDA is continuing to respond to needs in Japan. Working in cooperation with our partner Church World Service (CWS) and our mission partners in Japan, basic humanitarian needs are being provided. CWS is working with the Japan Platform, a consortium of 32 Japanese non-profits, to provide a coordinated response to the basic needs of those currently living at evacuation sites.
Affected population
According to the March 30 United National Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) report, approximately 17,000 people are still missing in Japan; more than 11,000 have died; and 173,200 people are still living in more than 2,000 evacuation centers in 17 prefectures, mostly in the north of Japan.
An estimated 190,000 households (492,000 people) remain without electricity. Another 330,000 households (936,000 people) are without gas supplies, and 372,000 households (913,000 people) are still without water.
Takeshi Komino Reflects on his visit
Takeshi Komino, Church World Service Asia/Pacific Emergency Response Director, shares his personal reflections from Japan on March 27.
"Is this really happening in my country of Japan?" was my initial thought. Japan is considered one of the richest nations in the world with probably the best disaster risk reduction measures in the region. And this was certainly my first time responding to an emergency in Japan as a staff member of CWS. As the extent of damage became clearer, I learned that this is actually four disasters happening at once. First a 9.0 Richter scale earthquake, then 20m+ tsunami, then nuclear power plant reactor explosions, all happening in the harsh winter weather of Tohoku region, where temperatures nowadays go down below freezing point on daily basis. Can my government respond adequately? The answer, unfortunately, is no.
The Tohoku motorway in Miyagi Prefecture. Photo by Takeshi Komino, CWS/ACT.
“My recent drive from Tokyo to Miyagi Prefecture was somewhat smooth on Tohoku Motorway until where roads became bumpy and we required a special pass to go through that segment. Once I entered Tohoku region, it was snowing, freezing, and long queues were at every gas station where fuel was running out. We were lucky to be able to get a share in one of the gas stations with a 10 liter limit.
“The Government of Japan is eager to maintain the image that their response is properly executed, but people I met in my assessment visit tell me otherwise. Relief items are not adequately reaching them, influenza is spreading, people are waking up in the middle of the night because of body aches due to cold air, no future plan is communicated, still their loved ones are missing; truly daily survival for these people both physically and mentally. I am personally wearing two layers of pants as well as a sweater and down jacket. Even with these, it was freezing cold and my fingers went numb.
“In coordination meetings in Tokyo, some people are asking, "with Self Defense Forces being deployed and the government sending fuel tankers, aren't the needs met?" From the affected population who are faced with daily survival at evacuation sites, such questions seem to be nonsense and pointless — a view I now share. Then what is my government doing? To give them credit, they are tasked to deal with unprecedented challenges of restoring safety at Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Plant, deployment of Self Defense Forces to deal with 500,000 people who are living at evacuation sites (including those who are staying at evacuation sites and people who are visiting on daily basis from their houses due to lack of utilities) and construction of temporary shelters for re-evacuation. They simply don't have government human resources to serve the most vulnerable; people who can even go to these evacuation sites.
“Some may question, "why assist Japan which is one of the richest nations in the world?" My answer is, these people who are staying in extremely difficult conditions at the evacuation sites, they really do need everyone's help. Their basic needs must be met, and we need to be there when they re-formulate their communities. Governments can make systems and policies and repair major infrastructure, but it's people who make communities. As the people-centered organization that we (Church World Service) are, we can formulate people-centered assistance, which is a key aspect in this relief and recovery effort.”
What you can do
Many of you are asking how you can help. Complete assessments have just begun. You can help the church in this response and stand in the GAP for those affected by these disasters.
GIVE. Faithful members who share their financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering are already helping to fund the ongoing work in Japan. Please consider increasing your support to this special offering this year. Special needs and opportunities have arisen in response to this current crisis, and PDA invites you to share your blessing to designated gifts that will provide the resources needed to assist with immediate, long-term and unmet needs of this and other disasters.
Individuals may give by phone at (800) 872-3283, through your congregation, or by mailing a check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include DR000148 on your check to support relief efforts wherever disasters occur.
Support exclusively for response to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami disasters can be designated for DR000117.
Give online for disasters around the world
Give online for response to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
ACT. As you follow the situation in the news, please consider planning a special worship service using some of the resources available on this web site.
Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs.
PRAY. Please keep the people of Japan, and other areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami, in your thoughts and prayers. Examples of prayers from the Office of Theology and Worship can be found on this website. PC(USA) leaders have issued a Call to Prayer.