How to help survivors of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Japan
Organisations responding to the 1st January earthquake that are accepting international donations and sharing English-language updates
On 1st January 2024, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, reaching a maximum intensity of 7 on the Shindo Scale and triggering Japan’s first major tsunami warning since 2011. The extent of the damage is still unclear, but dozens of lives have been lost and hundreds are still missing as rescue teams search through the wreckage.
While there may be chances to volunteer or send supplies in due course, for now, financial donations to support local organisations are often the most powerful way to make an impact. For English speakers, here are some organisations offering updates in English and accepting donations in English and from overseas.
*There are many ways to donate for those able to read Japanese — see a list here.
**This is not an exhaustive list — if there are other organisations that you recommend for English speakers / overseas donors, please leave a comment below.
Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV)
Peace Boat Disaster Relief Center (PBV) dispatched a team to the disaster zone on 2nd January, and is providing regular updates via social media and its website. The team is conducting a needs assessment and has been helping to distribute warm meals to survivors. Going forward, they will be continuing to work with local stakeholders to provide critical support to those affected.
- Donate: https://pbv.or.jp/en/news/ishikawanoto2024_02/
- Updates: See PBV’s English website and Facebook page
Second Harvest Japan (2HJ)
Second Harvest Japan (2HJ), one of Japan’s leading food banks, is collaborating with local organizations to provide food and hot meals with supplies transported from its warehouse in Saitama Prefecture. The organisation will also conduct surveys to understand local needs.
- Donate: https://2hj.org/english/news_press/6665/
- Updates: See the 2HJ English website & Facebook page
AAR Japan
Association for Aid & Relief (AAR) Japan has dispatched an emergency response team to the affected areas. Their activities include setting up kitchens to cook meals (curry, rice balls, miso soup, etc.), supporting People with Disabilities, and distributing Non-Food Items (e.g. diapers, clothes, feminine hygiene products).
- Donate: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/emergency-response-to-noto-peninsula-earthquake/
- Updates: See AAR’s English website and Facebook page
Civic Force
Civic Force’s Search and Rescue team is searching for survivors. Its medical team has established a mobile clinic at an evacuation center to allow quick treatment and to provide relief to hospitals treating severe injuries. Needs assessments are ongoing to ascertain what emergency supplies/services are needed at which locations.
- Donate: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/ishikawa-earthquake-response/
- Updates: See Civic Force’s English website and Facebook page
Peace Winds USA
Peace Winds Japan dispatched its ARROWS disaster response team of doctors, nurses, and others to assess the needs on the ground in the Ishikawa disaster zone. If needed, they will conduct search-and-rescue missions, medical emergency care, helicopter evacuations, and the distribution of emergency supplies.
- Donate: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-disaster-relief-and-recovery/
- Updates: See the Peace Winds English website & Facebook page
Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund
The Rakuten Clutch Special Charity Fund is raising funds for survivors; donations can be made with Rakuten Points, Rakuten Card, VISA and Mastercard credit cards, and bank transfers. Donations for the fund will be accepted through 5th February 2024 and details on the recipient organizations will be announced soon via the website.
(For full transparency: I used to work for Peace Boat Disaster Relief. I have no affiliations with the other organisations in this list.)
