2 weeks after the disaster What is needed now is October 25th 20:13
In the disaster area of Typhoon No. 19, many people volunteered to support the victims. When I listened to the stories of those people, I realized the reality that still needs a lot of support. It has been 2 weeks since October 26th. What support is required now?
(Network reporter reporter Aya Noda Ken Takeshi Mida Naoya Saito)
Volunteers still needed
Volunteers who were active in the disaster area of Typhoon No. 19.
According to the National Council of Social Welfare, that number has reached 51,000 people by the 23rd of this month.
Still, there are a number of tweets from people who have entered the disaster area complaining that they still need human resources.
A 48-year-old woman living in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, has tweeted:
According to this woman, on 16 October, I volunteered in a group of 3 men and 6 women. When trying to get out of the chiffon that was in the damaged house, the whole chiffon sucked in water and expanded, so the drawer did not empty, and some of the damp clothes were inside, so it was unimaginable weight It seems.
The woman told the 52-year-old husband that “Volunteers have a lot of hard work and need the power of men,” and that the husband's work was absent on October 23, when the couple volunteered.
Actual conditions of the disaster area
Volunteers who still need human resources. The background is that the damage is extensive and widespread.
The social welfare council in Fukushima Prefecture is still centered on volunteer activities in the affected areas, such as moving furniture out of the water and removing mud that has flowed into the house. I say.
Especially in Iwaki City and Koriyama City, the number of volunteers is not enough for the damage situation. The Nagano Prefecture Social Welfare Council made the same point.
(Hiroyuki Yamazaki)
“In the northern part of Nagano City, where the Chikuma River embankment broke down and many houses were inundated, debris and garbage overflowed the road, making it impossible for vehicles and heavy equipment to enter. There is also a lot. "
Volunteers on weekdays
Mr. Yamazaki pointed out another problem. The number of people who apply for volunteers on weekdays is decreasing recently.
“The temperature has dropped considerably, and the residents' physical strength has been exhausted and burdened. The situation is not yet over this week or next week, so I hope that volunteers will continue to come on weekdays.”
What preparation is necessary?
Volunteers are required on weekdays as well as weekends. So what kind of preparation is necessary when actually going to volunteer?
The NPO “Rescue Stock Yard” in Nagoya City, which provides support for disaster victims, provides a prepared manual for entering volunteer areas in flood-affected areas on the website.
▽ Introducing wearing thick and long rubber gloves instead of gloves, and going on goggles so as not to hurt your eyes with lime that has been sterilized in addition to dust.
In addition, the Social Welfare Council has called for the preparation of masks and other items in advance as winter is approaching and the flu epidemic has begun. I want you to be thorough.
Check the volunteer participation area in advance
There may be calls for assistance even in areas where volunteers have not been available.
The National Council of Social Welfare states that some local governments may not be able to grasp the full extent of the damage, so there may be new areas that need volunteers in the future. Those who wish to volunteer are asked to confirm in advance on the website of the National Social Welfare Council what the local acceptance system is.
Activities close to the victims
We also heard complaints from volunteers who listened to the voices of the victims.
In the affected areas, people are called to volunteer together with the feelings of the victims.
(Social Welfare Council in Fukushima Prefecture)
“I understand the volunteer's feelings that the victims want to be able to return to their home life as soon as possible, but they do not want to focus on speed alone. Some of them have become memorable items. Volunteers should check with the victims without deciding that they are "garbage". Treat them carefully when they leave the house. "
Necessary support not only by hand
The activities of a group that provides free support to the affected areas have revealed the need for assistance not only by human resources.
“Save the Children” by NGOs that support children.
As schools began to resume, we visited elementary schools and children's gardens in areas where Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures were heavily damaged, and conducted interviews to find out what kind of support they need now.
As a result, children's gardens resumed while water was shut off. ▽ Drinking water ▽ Paper tableware for school lunch ▽ Disinfectant ▽ Disinfection sheet ▽ Many tanks that need water storage tanks, etc. Means that you sent these supplies.
In addition, after-school children's clubs heard that “the children were intimidating and restless”, and the parents of the children also said, “The children became stressed and began to cry at night.” That means you ’re up.
It means that we sent picture books and toys to the shelter to help care for children.
The person in charge of the organization said, “I think more information will be coming into the future about what children need to live. They will respond quickly to their needs while listening to local voices. Thank you for your cooperation. "