Emergency Response to Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Neary two years after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024, many people in the affected areas of Ishikawa Prefecture are still in the process of rebuilding their lives. AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan) continues to provide individualized support that addresses the specific difficulties those people are facing. Please support AAR's activities on GivingTuesday!

The Japan Disability Forum (JDF), a coalition of disability organizations that has collaborated with AAR to support people with disabilities immediately after the earthquake, receives daily inquiries from individuals with disabilities. The nature of these requests varies widely depending on the type and severity of the disability, including "difficulty getting to medical appointments" and "wanting to clean up rooms scattered by the earthquake." AAR has collaborated with JDF and other NPOs to address these inquiries, providing support such as transportation to hospitals and welfare facilities, home repairs, and assistance with applying for disaster victim support programs at government offices.

"The biggest difficulty is still meals. On days when the helper doesn’t come, I can only go to the nearby convenience store, so our meals get unbalanced," says a 77-year-old man with sensory impairments who lives with his 35-year-old daughter with Down syndrome. AAR assists with small daily needs like accompanying them shopping, transporting them to hospitals or short-stay facilities, and replacing their cell phones. Mr. Akasaka, who provides massage services at AAR's community salon " Yawayawa Café" held at the temporary housing complex's meeting hall and knows this mother and daughter's daily life, says, "We're grateful that AAR does things that are difficult to manage just through neighborhood support."

AAR staff member Yanagimachi says, "Working with people with disabilities, I see that they need help in various aspects of daily life—shopping, housework, laundry, and more. We want to keep focusing on these needs and continuing our support."

AAR will continue providing support to people with disabilities affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

Please support AAR's activities on GivingTuesday!

Links:

• AAR English website

It will soon be two years since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and over a year has passed since the Oku-Noto Heavy Rain. At facilities for people with disabilities in the disaster-affected areas, staff members have worked tirelessly to help users regain even a little bit of their daily lives. A workshop aimed at supporting those staff members and others providing such assistance was held with the cooperation of AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan).

Sharing hardships

The workshop took place in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Twenty-four participants from seven welfare facilities in Nanao City, Kanazawa City, Wajima City, Noto Town, and Anamizu Town attended, along with two welfare staff members from Wajima City and Noto Town. The workshop aimed to lighten participants' burdens by sharing their struggles and daily challenges they often keep to themselves, as well as to help them learn self-care methods.

Wajima KABULET, which operates group homes for people with disabilities from a base in a traditional house in central Wajima City, utilized a cafe space which is managed within the city hall as an evacuation shelter after the earthquake to provide disaster victims with a place to rest. Additionally, they reopened their hot spring facility on January 12th, providing a place of respite for local residents.

Ms. Tabata, a consultation support specialist, shared her experience of being encouraged despite her hardships. "Since the earthquake, we've been striving to return to normal life as quickly as possible. When the Oku-Noto heavy rains struck, I felt like I was about to break. Still, seeing so many volunteers actively helping gave me a positive outlook."

Supporters themselves deserve support

In the latter half of the workshop, Ms. Terai, a clinical psychologist from Noto General Hospital, spoke on the theme of "Physical and Mental Care," sharing practical self-care methods. Ms. Terai stated, "Support work in disaster areas involves prolonged periods of constant tension, making it hard to put on the brakes emotionally. Sometimes just changing your perspective can make things easier, so it's important to stay positive and avoid overthinking the worst." She emphasized, "It's crucial to recognize when you're tired and consciously reset," introducing practical self-care methods like breathing techniques for relaxation.

After the workshop, a networking session was held over a meal featuring Ishikawa Prefecture's specialty dish, "Tori-Yasai Miso Nabe." Participants deepened their bonds while sharing the difficulties and feelings they've faced since the earthquake. One participant smiled, remarking, "I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed."

Supporters, such as welfare workers, often put themselves last during disasters, frequently leading to mental and physical exhaustion. It was a stark reminder of how vital it is for others to encourage them to rest and to spread the idea that "Supporters deserve support too." AAR will continue activities in the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

Links:

• AAR English website