On 11 March 2011, the most devastating 9-magnitude earthquake in Japan’s history left scenes destruction along the country’s northeast coast. More than 15,000 people were killed, 30,000 were evacuated and around 3,300 people are still unaccounted for. With the nuclear emergency triggered in the Fukushima Prefecture, rehabilitation efforts are further hampered.
World Vision sincerely thanks all donors for their generous support which allows us to carry out relief and rehabilitation work in Japan over the past year. In the aftermath, donations from global supporters allowed World Vision to fund a three-year, US$53.3 million (around HK$416 million) response programme, and World Vision Hong Kong has raised nearly HK$59 million. Around US$33.8 million (around HK$264 million) was spent in the first year, with the remaining amount allocated for projected spending until March 2014, benefiting more than 140,000 people.
World Vision’s Response Highlights
Emergency Phase (March - June 2011)
■Provided emergency relief items such as blankets, clothing, hygiene kits, food and water
■Implemented school-feeding programmes reaching more than 1,000 students each day
■Established seven Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) to provide basic psychosocial support
■Provided six community kitchens at evacuation centres
■Distributed electrical appliances like washing machines, rice cookers, refrigerators and vacuums for shared use at evacuation centres
Recovery and Rehabilitation Phase (July 2011 – December 2012)
Child Development & Protection
■School bus services provided from July - September 2011
■50 primary & secondary schools received uniforms, learning materials and equipment
■Continuation of CFS, including after-school and summer holiday activities
■In collaboration with local company, provided school meals for primary and secondary schools
Community Development – Caring for the Affected
■Created communal meeting areas and arranged social activities for the affected, paying special attention to senior citizens and children, who might feel isolated due to separation from families and friends
■Funded publication of booklets providing tips on living in temporary shelters or communities
■Visited the affected communities to show care and support and for relationship building
Child-focused Disaster Preparedness
■Provided disaster preparedness materials for primary and secondary schools
■Arranged installation of solar panels and wells at schools which will serve as evacuation centres in future emergencies
Livelihood Recovery - Fishing Industry
■Provided temporary offices and equipment to fishery associations
■Funded the reconstruction of freezer warehouse
■Provided boats and seaweed cultivation equipment for the cooperatives
Community Development – Community Kitchens
■Provided pre-fabricated houses, as well as cooking facilities and equipment to community kitchens at evacuation centres
World Vision will continue to carry out rehabilitation work from January 2013 to March 2014. During this period we will partner with Japanese non-profit organisations and encourage them to organise activities to serve their communities in Myagi, Iwate and Niigata (evacuees from Fukushima are now settled in Niigata).
Please Continue to Support Children in Need
At the same time, there are still many children around the world living in disastrous condition. They desperately need help to meet their basic needs. Due to poverty, these disadvantaged children are in constant hunger; barely make it through each day. Please help put an end to child hunger in Africa now!
World Vision Hong Kong: Japan Earthquake Donation Page
[Source: World Vision Hong Kong]
