Disaster Reports

Christian relief work after Typhoon #19 (Hagibis)

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CRASH was already working in Chiba in response to Typhoon #15 that hit the region in early September (sorry there was no post here about that – most of our communication has been on Facebook lately), but of course now there is much more work to do. Yesterday two CRASH leaders and leaders of several other groups met to discuss the best strategy going forward, and especially talked about the need for good roof repair work (not just tarps, but something more substantial). And of course there is plenty of need for cleaning out flooded houses, removing debris in neighborhoods, and many other activities. And funds will be needed to do these things. Please pray for all the victims as well as the volunteers, and please consider donating, or if you are in Japan, volunteering. More details will be known as time goes on – assessment of the needs and opportunities is just beginning.

See our Facebook page for photos and more frequent updates.

Unloading a van of supplies from Hiroshima

Meeting Oct. 16th of many Christian groups

 

Floods in Northern Kyushu

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Please pray for northern Kyushu (Saga and Fukuoka prefectures), as torrential rains have caused widespread flooding. At one point, many areas were under a Level 5 (the maximum) warning for landslides, and 870,000 people were issued evacuation instructions. That level was lifted, but it might be issued again. As of this writing, three fatalities have been reported, but of course it’s too early to know the status of many areas, so there are probably many more.

Also, the rain is expected to continue and expand northeast, so additional flood warnings are also in effect for eight prefectures of southern and central Honshu.

As of this writing, here are three recent news pages in English:

Of course the situation is likely to change rapidly.

The Kyushu Christ Disaster Relief Center (九キ災, “Kyukisai”) is preparing to mobilize in response.

Juntendo Hospital where 184 people are stranded, surrounded by oil-slicked floodwater from nearby iron works.
Japan Self-Defense Force soldiers begin rescue operations.
Oil spills from flooded tanks at an iron works on August 28, 2019 in Omachi, Saga, Japan.

Two Disasters in 48 Hours

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While relief efforts continue in Okayama and other places after the floods in July, this week in early September two other areas of Japan felt the pain.

Within 48 hours of each other, the strongest typhoon in 25 years ripped through the second-largest metropolitan area of Japan, and an earthquake in Japan’s northern-most region triggered landslides and left millions without power…
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Helping a nursing home

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CRASH volunteer staff pastors have been working in both Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures providing leadership and administration. Here is one example. On July 26th, a team of over 30 Japanese and Korean volunteers, led by a CRASH pastor, went into the heart of the mountains in Okayama Prefecture to help a special care nursing home. 98% of the residents need at least Level 2 nursing care, so it was a miracle that the staff on duty were able to quickly carry everyone to the second floor before the first floor was submerged. The volunteer team worked in the blazing sun to clean mud from the furniture and equipment. (Click on any photo to view it full size.)

More photos of this and many other activities can be found on CRASH’s Facebook page.