Japan volunteers package supplies for victims of the Noto earthquake.
The earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture on January 1 has caused immense human suffering and property damage. Located on the western coast of the Chubu region of Japan (facing the Sea of Japan), the Noto earthquake claimed the lives of more than 200 people. The number of people seriously injured in Ishikawa Prefecture alone reached 1,179. Now in February, still more than 14,000 people are huddled in evacuation centers, while water supplies and roads have been cut off, limiting recovery and reconstruction efforts.
In response to the crisis, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Japan has raised relief money and supplies to support those affected by the disaster. Staff and volunteers collected 256,000 yen in January as well as heating supplies to keep people warm.
While these relief supplies have already been donated to Ishikawa Prefecture, support is still needed in the area. Therefore, GPF Japan plans to continue to collect relief supplies.
GPF Japan is also collecting messages of support for the local people and will be posting them on Facebook.
Read some of the translated messages below and share your own with GPF Japan:
“Spring always comes after the winter. We will surely be able to recover.”
“Hang in there! Hang in there! Please maintain your strength by exercising and moving your limbs and body.”
“Keep the faith! We are with you as you endure the harsh environment. We pray for a quick recovery.”
“I am a resident of Sendai. Tohoku has also recovered from the pain and sorrow of a devastating earthquake. The pain will not disappear completely, but if you keep persevering, good times will surely come again.”
“Living in evacuation shelters must certainly be stressful both physically and mentally. Please relax from time to time to ease your mind and body. Please take care of your health and don’t let your body break down before the reconstruction begins.”
“I cannot do much, but I am praying for all of you as I read the news and hear about the current situation. Hang in there!”
