How You Can Help Japan’s Flood Victims

A neighborhood in Japan is inundated by floodwaters. Photo from Peace Winds America

Record rainfall in western Japan in early July caused flooding that has displaced more than 2 million people from their homes. More than 200 have died as overflowing rivers and landslides have inundated entire towns. Up to 70 inches of rain fell over two weeks, an amount up to four times more than normal for this time of year. The torrential downpour came on the heels of Typhoon Prapiroon, which also dumped enormous amounts of rain. A subsequent heat wave has killed at least eight people in the same region.

Storm-damaged roads, bridges and railroad tracks are making rescue efforts and delivery of supplies and aid difficult. Here are some ways to donate or volunteer to help people displaced by flooding.

U.S.-Japan Council. The U.S.-Japan Council, in partnership with the Japanese American Citizens League and other organizations, has formed the Japan Flood Friendship Fund to aid those affected by the floods. One hundred percent of donations will go to relief efforts through the group’s network of nonprofit organizations working on the ground. Info

Peace Winds America. This nongovernmental organization responds to natural and manmade disasters in Japan, the U.S. and other countries. It is supporting evacuation centers in the flood-devastated Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures, and it is working with police and fire departments and a rescue dog group that is searching for survivors. Donations will help provide essential supplies to flood survivors, including food, water, medical and hygiene kits, clothing, and bedding. Info

GlobalGiving. This crowdfunding group connects donors with locally driven nonprofits and companies around the world. For the floods in Japan, it is funneling donations to Civic Force, a nonprofit that responds to natural disasters in Japan by providing emergency response, relief needs and lifesaving assistance. Info

A temporary shelter houses victims of Japan’s floods. Photo from Peace Winds America

Mercy Relief. This Singapore-based group responds to human tragedies and disasters in the Asian Pacific. Donations to the Japan flooding disaster will go to various types of assistance. For example, a donation of $50 provides emergency food items for two households of six for 10 days; $100 provides hygiene kits for seven households. Info

Save the Children. This global charity for children works in the U.S. and around the world. The group has deployed an emergency response team to assess the needs of children in the affected flood areas. It is accepting online donations. Info

Peace Boat. This NGO responds to disasters in Japan and elsewhere, working locally to deliver assistance to affected communities. It is taking online credit card donations for the Japan flooding disaster. Info

Numerous rainfall records were broken during the recent rain event in western Japan. Photo from NASA Earth Observatory

Japan Platform. This emergency aid organization in Japan is accepting credit card and PayPal donations online. Info

IsraAID. This Israel-based international NGO provides support during crises. The Japan IsraAID Support Program, the Japanese branch of the organization, has deployed an emergency response team to distribute relief items and to assess and provide medical and post-trauma aid and support to evacuees. It is taking credit card and PayPal donations online. Info

GoFundMe. The crowdsourcing platform has a campaign dedicated to raising funds for the Japan flood victims, and says 100 percent of the funds will be given to organizations directly involved in rescue, evacuation and rebuilding efforts. Info

Japanese Red Cross Society. The group is helping with flood rescue efforts, providing blankets and emergency kits and sharing public safety information on heat-related illness. It’s accepting bank transfer donations online to assist flood victims. Info

Note: Use caution when making disaster-aid donations to lesser-known organizations. Sites such as Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help you be sure a group is legitimate.

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