The torrential rain in southern Kumamoto left 22 people dead as of the morning of July 5. Some are still missing and others have been found in critical condition. Kuma village has been hit hard by the disaster and rescue operations via helicopters and boats are on-going for stranded villagers.
Civic Force's joint emergency team, ARROWS, has begun medical assistance at an evacuation center set up in Kuma Athletic Park. Evacuees at the park include those rescued by helicopters and others who evacuated and could not bring their belongings.
ARROWS set up a mobile medical clinic with a partner organization, TMAT, and treated 32 evacuees in Kuma Athletic Park. They were relieved to receive our assistance as some elderly were injured during evacuation and others did not bring their daily medications. ARROWS' doctor prescribed medicine as needed. ARROWS will continue improving the condition of the evacuation center.
As the rain continues, prolonged evacuation is anticipated. Building on past experiences and knowledge, ARROWS is working with local municipality staff and public health care workers to implement COVID-19 prevention measures and improve the condition of the evacuation center.
Upon request from the Self Defense Force, ARROWS' two search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs and their handlers searched for missing people in Tsunagi village on July 5. In this area, several houses were buried in mud due to massive landslides. SAR operations continued through the night to look for missing people.
On the third day of assistance activities, it began raining again.
As a member of ARROWS, Civic Force continues providing assistance activities today.