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On March 10, nearly two weeks after the forest fire in Ofunato City, evacuation orders were lifted for all areas. 102 buildings were damaged and nearly 60 people are still in two evacuation centers in the city. In response to a request from Ofunato City, the prefecture is constructing temporary emergency housing. It is expected to be completed in early May. 

The recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas is just beginning, and maintaining community ties while rebuilding is a major challenge.

On the evening of March 21, a "Network Meeting for Support Organizations," organized by the Iwate NPO Disaster Support Network, brought together support organizations, social welfare councils, and government officials. About 20 organizations participated in the meeting to promote information sharing and prevent duplication and omissions in support. Civic Force staff reported on the content of past support activities that they implemented in cooperation with partner organization Peace Winds Japan.

On March 22, Civic Force helped organize an "Ochacco" (tea gathering) at Ayahime Hall, which is being used as an evacuation center. We provided freshly brewed coffee to help people relax and have a moment of peace. In cooperation with "moku coffee," a coffee bean producer and seller in Ofunato City, and the hall director, we invited evacuees and other residents of Ayasato who were affected by the fire.

Among the participants, there were people whose homes were completely destroyed in the forest fire but who could not live in the evacuation center due to circumstances such as having infants and young children. The tea gathering provided a glimpse into the lives of evacuees outside the visible evacuation centers, and we will continue to work with the locals to understand their changing needs and provide appropriate support.

On the same day, we visited the Fukushi no Sato Center, another evacuation center, to assess their needs. The strawberries and hand creams that we had delivered previously were well-received.

Civic Force will continue to assess needs and provide support that leads to the well-being of each individual.