Catholic Relief Services is still at work managing various relief efforts in Japan following the tsunami earlier this year.
Millions of households were affected, with more than 370,000 houses and other buildings destroyed. The government of Japan responded effectively to immediate needs, but some gaps still exist which Caritas Japan is filling.
Following the disaster, Caritas Japan sent teams to the four most affected diocese in Japan (Sendai, Sapporo, Saitama, and Tokyo), where they assessed the situation and provided people with blankets, food, water and psychological support.
At the same time, a number of local churches were mobilized to serve as volunteer hubs in Miyagi and Iwate. Volunteers responded by helping to remove rubble and offering support to those living in shelters.
Caritas Japan recently said donations from CRS and other Caritas members will be used for long-term recovery. Caritas Japan’s long-term rehabilitation strategy will include activities such as temporary housing, assistance to vulnerable groups including those who are elderly or disabled and psychological care.
CRS will continue to support Caritas Japan for the long-term reconstruction of these devastated regions.
