1st Anniversary – Japan earthquake and tsunami

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Relief work continues in worst affected areas of north-east Japan

One year after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami devastated north-east Japan, World Vision continues to assist tens of thousands of people in the most affected communities.

World Vision has now helped more than 140,000 people in the region, both in the aftermath of the disaster and through on-going support.

The organisation has implemented a three-year plan to assist families as they rebuild their lives. The program focuses on children’s development and protection in tsunami-affected communities, livelihood recovery in the fishing industry and assistance to evacuees from the Fukushima area.

"The shocking events of March 11, 2011 had an unimaginable impact on large parts of north-east Japan and its citizens," said emergency communications specialist Andrea Swinburne-Jones. "The humanitarian need was overwhelming. That’s why World Vision responded within 48 hours and will continue to work with affected communities until March 2014."

More than 15,000 people were killed and 300,000 people displaced when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit north-east Japan on March 11, 2011. A nuclear emergency was triggered in the Fukushima prefecture, and roads, rail and power were crippled across the region. The World Bank estimates damages at US$235 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster in history.

Despite being practised in disaster drills, highly organised and a well-resourced nation, the situation was overwhelming for communities and the Government of Japan.

Thanks to the generosity of Australians, World Vision Australia raised more than AU$2.2 million in the aftermath of the disaster. Globally, World Vision raised more than US$53 million. Around US$33.8 million was spent in the first year, with the remaining amount allocated for projected spending until March 2014.

In the early days of the emergency response, those funds were used to provide relief items, establish community kitchens in evacuation centres and set up child friendly spaces. Phase two of the response involves broader community development and strengthening, with a focus on child protection and disaster preparedness, livelihood recovery and assistance to evacuees.

To donate to World Vision Australia’s Emergency & Preparedness Fund, go to worldvision.com.au or 13 32 40.

ENDS

 

For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact:

Chloe Adams – 0427 413 816 / chloe.adams@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Climate change, Asia and the Pacific, Disaster relief, Earthquake, Foreign Aid, Japan, Tsunami

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