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In Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, a forest fire remains uncontrolled as of April 23, a day after it first broke out. Self-Defense Forces and prefectural disaster preparedness helicopters are continuing aerial firefighting efforts alongside water discharge from the ground. As the fire was confirmed to be spreading toward the town center where residential areas are located, officials expanded the evacuation order. The order now covers 1,229 households and 2,588 people across four districts, representing approximately one-quarter of the town's total population. As of 5:00PM April 24, 127 households and 329 individuals have sought refuge at four designated shelters within the town, though others are expected to be staying with acquaintances or sleeping in their vehicles.

On the morning of April 23, Civic Force staff departed from Miyagi Prefecture and arrived in Otsuchi Town that evening. Amidst the pervasive smell of burning and thick white smoke, the team immediately began a needs assessment at evacuation centers.

As of 7:00PM on April 24, 195 people were sheltered at the gymnasium, separated into three areas - the main hall, the martial arts hall (Budojo), and a designated room for those with pets. Staff from the town hall and neighboring municipalities are working in shifts to manage the reception desk, where they have been distributing instant food and other supplies to evacuees who arrived without food. 

While simple partition tents have been set up and emergency blankets are made available, improvements in cold-weather measures, hygiene conditions, and meal quality will be necessary if the evacuation period becomes prolonged.

Elsewhere in the town, over 140 people were temporarily sheltered at a nearby school, with additional residents taking refuge at different locations. Among those seeking safety are individuals who had already evacuated once due to the earthquake on April 20 and were forced to flee again by this fire, as well as those whose homes have already been lost to the flames.

From one shelter, the mountains can still be seen burning, and the surrounding area remains shrouded in a thick, white haze of smoke. With no immediate end to the fire in sight and the likelihood of a prolonged evacuation, there is an urgent need for physical and mental health support for those displaced.

On April 24, Civic Force will attend a health and medical coordination meeting aimed at improving shelter environments and assessing the health status of evacuees. In addition, the team will continue the needs assessments and provide essential relief activities in collaboration with local NGOs and partners with whom Civic Force has maintained strong ties since the Great East Japan Earthquake recovery efforts.

- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (Branch: Aoyama; Account Number: 7027403)
- Japan Post (Account Number: 00140-6-361805)

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