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Only two years after the West Japan Floods, which was called “the worst flood damage in the Heisei era,” the 2020 Kyushu Heavy Rains — more powerful than the West Japan Floods — tragically devastated lives in the region. Extensive areas were inundated by the flooding of the Kuma River, and the series of torrential rains across the nation resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people, mainly in Kyushu. Additionally, more than 16,700 residential damages in 27 prefectures were reported as of the end of July.

As a member of ARROWS (Airborne Rescue & Relief Operations With Search), a joint emergency assistance team, early on the morning of July 4, Civic Force rushed to the affected areas by amphibious vehicles, cars and helicopters. Although it was an unprecedented challenge for us to conduct assistance activities under the threat of COVID-19, we put lifesaving as the priority. We executed search-and-rescue (SAR) operations and provided medical care at isolated communities in Hitoyoshi City and Kuma Village in Kumamoto Prefecture. Through our experience responding to COVID-19 since January, Civic Force was well prepared to implement infection control measures during assistance activities including distributing relief items and evacuation center management.

This newsletter features our assistance activities during the 2020 Kyushu Heavy Rains. It also provides updates on our COVID-19 and Great East Japan Earthquake assistance activities. Please take a look at the newsletter by clicking on the link below.

NewsLetter Vol.21eng.pdf