Latest News

Emergency Assistance for Otsuchi Town Wildfire
Quickly Delivering Assistance and Hearing the People

On April 22, 2026, a large-scale wildfire broke out in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture. The fire continued to spread mainly in the Kirikiri and Kozuchi districts, burning 1,633 hectares, approximately 8% of the town's area. Two people were injured, and eight buildings were damaged.

Civic Force swiftly dispatched staff to the site to conduct a needs assessment and initiate relief activities. Guided by local needs, we procured and distributed relief supplies and worked to improve the conditions at evacuation centers. Although the fire was declared extinguished on May 29, continued mid- to long-term support is needed for recovery and reconstruction.

Civic Force will continue to work in cooperation with local partner organizations and other groups to provide assistance tailored to the needs of the affected areas.

In this issue, we report on our emergency response to the Otsuchi Town wildfire, as well as our ongoing disaster preparedness activities, corporate partnerships, and projects with our NPO partners.

translated by YWCA ILV