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The forest fire that broke out in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, on April 22 continues to spread. According to prefectural and town officials, as of 6:00 AM on April 26, aerial surveys by the prefectural disaster preparedness helicopter estimate the total scorched area to be approximately 1,373 hectares across the Kirikiri and Kozuchi districts and their surroundings. While firefighting efforts are being concentrated on areas near residential zones, the flames are reportedly closing in on new housing locations.

Otsuchi Town has issued evacuation orders for 3,233 people - roughly 30% of the town's population. To ensure the safety of its residents, the town has established shelters at six locations within its borders, as well as additional sites in the neighboring municipalities of Kamaishi City and Yamada Town.

Due to the fire, the town remains engulfed in thick smoke, making it impossible to open windows. Even in the shelters, all windows are kept tightly shut to prevent smoke from entering, and signs have been posted on the entrance doors reminding everyone to close the door immediately after opening. With no end to the fire in sight and the evacuation expected to be prolonged, Civic Force installed six air purifiers today at an evacuation center where the highest number of residents are currently sheltered. 

As part of infection control and hygiene measures, these air purifiers have previously been utilized through loans to local organizations in disaster-hit areas. For this mission, the units were procured locally using contributions from the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association Disaster Relief Fund (Players Fund) and donations from the general public. Four units were installed in the main gymnasium hall, one in the second-floor martial arts hall (budojo), and one in the designated pet evacuation room.

One evacuee shared their relief with a smile, saying, "We tried to ventilate the room this morning, but the smell was so strong we had to keep everything shut tight. The air felt stagnant, but it already feels a bit better now. I’m really hoping these will make a difference going forward." 

When installing the units, the team carefully considered the placement to maximize airflow and circulation within the high-ceilinged gymnasium. Special attention was also paid to the layout to ensure the units would not obstruct the movement or daily foot traffic of the evacuees.

While food such as rice balls, bread, and water, along with hot meal distributions (takidashi), are being provided at the evacuation centers, Civic Force delivered vegetable juice to address concerns regarding nutritional deficiencies. 

Furthermore, amidst the urgent need for infection prevention measures, Civic Force has delivered hygiene kits that were stored in our stockpile warehouse in Saga. Civic Force’s hygiene kits are designed to improve the sanitary environment and reduce the risk of infectious diseases for survivors in evacuation centers or those living in damaged homes. Each kit contains essential daily items and infection control supplies, including masks, wet wipes, toothbrushes, nail clippers, collapsible cups, and towels. 

Civic Force strives to provide effective and efficient support by collaborating with local governments, other relief organizations, and private corporations. In addition to attending daily medical coordination meetings and Disaster Response Headquarters meetings held throughout Otsuchi Town, the team has been monitoring the effectiveness of the circulators installed on April 24 and 25. The team identified the latest needs of the evacuees through consultations with Otsuchi Town dietitians who are making rounds at the shelters. On April 26, Civic Force exchanged information with a company considering the installation of air purifiers at the shelters and delivered vegetable juice and a box of hygiene kits to the Rikuchu Kaigan Youth House, where nearly ten people are taking refuge. 

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

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