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NewsroomLatest NewsEarthquake in Japan - Disaster ResponseMarch 14th - 2011
From Shigeru Shimada, National General Secretary, National Council of YMCAs of Japan
First of all, we sincerely appreciate your concerns and prayers.
In response to the massive destruction by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11th, the Japan YMCA has formed a special task force to respond to the needs of the disaster areas. Today the Government, Civil Society groups and NGOs gathered in Tokyo and discussed the roles of their respective organizations. The YMCA will be mainly focused on supporting the victims, children, handicapped, elderly and migrant workers in Japan. We have never experienced such a huge disaster throughout the many parts of the country with such massive damage occurring with each disaster. We expect this task will last over a long and difficult time span. Currently, we are experiencing an energy cut back of a few hours each day, even in Tokyo. This energy cut back affects our daily lives in unthinkable ways and is expected to last over an extended period of time. The earthquakes are still occurring in many areas including Tokyo on an alarming frequency.
We will form local YMCA support stations at the Sendai YMCA and Tochigi YMCA. Those YMCAs are the closest to the most affected areas. Those YMCAs experienced the big earthquake and some parts of their buildings were also damaged. They are helping their local victims but volunteers will be sent to the affected areas as soon as access is possible. Presently, all the roads and trains to the severely affected areas have been shut off or discontinued.
Meanwhile, we would like to appeal for donations to support the activities and lives of the victims throughout the huge area.
Kindly indicate your pledge of support that should be sent to the following APAY account:
A/C Name: Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs
Bank’s Name: Bank of East Asia
Account Number: 015-515-20-050045
Swift Code: BEASHKHH
Thank you and we continue praying for the victims and their families.
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