Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods

Building / Strengthening of the Three Prefectural Disaster Relief Network

In the recent disaster, there was a particularly large number of evacuees and victims who had difficulties receiving aid, including people who had to stay in their own homes unwillingly. As social resources were lacking in the stricken areas as well, it became imperative to establish a collaborative network to provide a wide range of specific aids by consolidating information, knowledge, and activities of all types of organizations, transcending sectors, such as local administrative institutions, the social welfare council, and local/external NPO/NGO/private organizations. If private organizations such as NPOs could come together, there would be an increase in public interest and credibility that would promote collaboration with public institutions. Such a collaboration between public and private organizations will build a complementary relationship in which public support systems are utilized and support is provided by private organizations to help victims put their lives back in order and satisfy their needs in much greater detail. With this purpose, we have been supporting the local NPO support centers (intermediary organizations) in Okayama, Hiroshima, and Ehime from shortly after the strike of disaster. The goal of this project is to have the local communities take the initiative in operating a multi-sector network centered around such local NPO support centers.

Specifically, we will provide the know-how on multi-sector coordination, human resources, seminars on reconstruction support activities, and more. In addition, since we can conduct activities across the three prefectures, we will help find solutions for issues that cannot be solved regionally.

> Project Overview

• Project Site: Hiroshima Prefecture, Okayama Prefecture, Ehime Prefecture
• Duration: January 7, 2019, to September 30, 2019
• Budget : 36,307,516 JPY
• Expected Results: (1) Support will be provided to all victims effectively through a network centered around the local communities. (2) Local people will become better at foreseeing problems that arise as victims move from evacuation centers to temporary housings to public housings, and providing suitable support for each phase. (3) A network prepared for future disasters will be established by making a smooth transition from the temporary support phase to a recovery and reconstruction phase initiated by the local communities.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support.