7.22.2020

Emergency assistance: We continue running soup kitchen and relief item distribution


We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to those who lost their lives to this disaster and to express our deepest sympathies to their families and all those who have been affected by this disaster.

The prefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima (southwestern Japan) were hit by record heavy rains from the night of July 3. As the heavy rain continued across the region, extensive damage was caused in various places.

AAR began researching on aid needs from July 4th, sharing information with disability-related organizations. From July 5th, we started running soup kitchen in collaboration with another non-profit organization, Peace Project, at the evacuation centers in Ashikita Town and Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

"The water came up to the second floor of my house. I can't go home."

Many of the people who were evacuated seemed very worried. When serving the food, we received comments such as, "I feel relieved with warm meal like this. Thank you." 86-year-old woman at the evacuation center said "The water came up to the second floor of my house. I can't go home. I appreciate you for preparing warm handmade food for us. It was very nice and comforting. Thank you". We continue to run our soup kitchen hoping that the people at the evacuation center feel safer by our warm handmade food.

Japanese curry was prepared on July 7th.
We ask for each person to come get their meal to reduce the risk of COVID-19.  


7.07.2020

Emergency assistance: 'Once-in-50 years' rainfall hits southwestern Japan


On Saturday, torrential rains caused widespread flooding and mudslides mainly in the prefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima, with at least 52 people dead according to NHK. (as of 7th July)

Hitoyoshi city got severely flooded. You can only see the very top of the street lights.