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Record-breaking heavy rains since July 25 have caused a series of floods in various parts of Yamagata Prefecture. In Tozawa Village, the Mogami River overflowed and more than 300 homes were submerged. Some areas became isolated and stranded residents had to be rescued by helicopters and boats. Those affected by the disaster are living in evacuation centers and are busy removing mud and cleaning up their homes.

Since July 29, Civic Force began providing supplies listed on Good Links to aid organizations working in Yamagata and Akita Prefectures. Good Links is an online platform to connect aid organizations in need of goods and services with partner companies donating their goods and services.

Yamagata Fuku Watachi, which operates food banks throughout Yamagata Prefecture, has been providing relief items to evacuation centers in Tozawa Village where more than 100 people are sleeping after the disaster. The T-shirts and socks delivered by Civic Force are scheduled to be distributed at evacuation centers and other locations on August 8.

According to Yamagata Fukuwatashi staff, Tozawa Village suffered similarly two years ago and has taken flood control measures such as installing pumps and fencing around the area. Some areas were flooded more than 2 meters causing more damage than anticipated. Mass relocation and construction of temporary housing are currently being considered in some areas.

Yamagata Fukuwatachi plans to run a soup kitchen in cooperation with a local children's soup kitchen so that they can continue to provide support during the Obon period when the other soup kitchens will be closed.

Thank you for your continuous support and please consider donating to help the residents affected by the disaster.