Urgent Relief for Earthquake Survivors in Japan

 1. Overview

 On January 1, 2024, a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, drastically altering the lives of thousands of residents. What should have been a time of celebration quickly turned into uncertainty, fear, and displacement for affected communities.

Now, two years later, many survivors are still navigating the long and complex process of recovery—not only rebuilding their homes, but also restoring a sense of stability, connection, and hope.

From the earliest days of the disaster, Operation Blessing Japan (OBJ) has been committed to ensuring that no one is left isolated in the aftermath.

2. Our Response

Rapid Emergency Deployment

Immediately after the earthquake, OBJ began gathering information and mobilizing resources. By January 4, our teams deployed from Sendai, transporting relief supplies by truck and vehicle into the affected areas.

Using a base in Uchinada Town, our teams traveled over two hours each way to reach remote and heavily impacted communities in Oku-Noto—areas that were at high risk of becoming isolated.

Our guiding principle was simple:

“Deliver what is needed, where it is needed.”

Phase-Based Response Approach

Drawing on experience from past disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, OBJ structured its response across four phases:

• Emergency Phase (first week):

  Distribution of essential supplies amid power outages and communication breakdowns

• Relief Phase (up to 1 month):

  Support for evacuation centers, including outreach to:

  • Self-evacuation sites

  • Home evacuees

  • Welfare facilities

   

• Recovery Phase 1 (up to 3 months):

  • Support for vulnerable populations

  • Mental health care

  • Community-building activities

  • Assistance to welfare facilities (including staff wellbeing)

   

• Recovery Phase 2 (up to 2 years – ongoing):

  • Addressing structural community challenges

  • Strengthening local networks

  • Providing long-term psychosocial support

   

This phased approach allowed us to respond flexibly as needs evolved over time.

From Material Aid to Holistic Support

While initial efforts focused on delivering essential goods, our work has increasingly centered on mental health and community connection.

To date, OBJ has implemented:

• Community salons in temporary housing (especially in Anamizu Town)

• Events and safe spaces for children

• One-on-one couseling

• Household visits combining: 

  • Delivery of daily necessities

  • Listening and emotional support

   

These activities ensure that support reaches those who might otherwise remain unseen.

3. Impact

Over the past two years, OBJ has:

• Delivered continuous aid to remote and isolated communities

• Reached vulnerable populations through outreach and home visits

• Built strong partnerships with:

   

  • Local social welfare councils

  • Churches

  • Community volunteers

One of the most meaningful outcomes has been the strengthening of local relationships, enabling more sustainable and community-led support.

4. Addressing Isolation and Mental Health

As time passes after a disaster, emotional challenges often deepen.

We have heard voices such as:

• “The emergency is over, but I don’t know how to move forward.”

• “Even with family around me, I feel alone.”

In response, OBJ has prioritized:

• Trauma-informed care

• Training staff and volunteers in active listening

• Creating spaces where people can share and reconnect

Simple acts—such as hand massages in temporary housing—have helped residents relax, open up, and rediscover moments of genuine connection and joy.

 5. Ongoing Challenges

Despite progress, significant challenges remain:

• Prolonged life in temporary housing

• Limited support reaching home-based evacuees

• Increasing isolation and mental health strain

• Additional disasters, including heavy rains later in 2024

These evolving needs require continued, adaptive support.

6. Looking Ahead

OBJ remains committed to supporting recovery in Noto by focusing on three core actions:

• Deliver – ensuring essential support reaches those in need

• Listen – walking alongside survivors through their ongoing challenges

• Connect – rebuilding relationships and community resilience

Our goal is not only recovery, but a future where no one feels isolated or forgotten.

This work has been made possible through the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers.

Because of your support, we are able to provide not only tangible aid, but also the often-overlooked care for emotional wellbeing and human connection.

Thank you for supporting our work among the people of Noto.

Links:

• Noto Earthquake Response - Two year report (Japanese)
• Media coverage of our recent work in Noto