JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI 2011

	I am pleased to be able to pass on details of the distribution of the initial consignment of Water-Survival Boxes sent to Japan. District 2800 Secretary Takashi Maruyama has e-mailed to say that 70% of the boxes were delivered to the Fire Service HQ in  Kesennuma for distribution to families left homeless and without access to clean water by the tsunami that devastated their city (see attached photo).
In Japan the Fire Service is the designated emergency response agency through which such donations are evaluated and then distributed. The initial uncertainty regarding the appropriateness of the WSBs was quickly overcome when the Fire Service Senior Officers had the opportunity to examine a sample box and led to their request for the bulk of those available.
The remainder were sent to Kamaishi City*, Sagata City, Tsuruoka City and Yamagata City (see map attached). Wikipedia reports that among other cities reportedly destroyed or heavily damaged by the tsunami were Kamaishi, and Kesennuma).  This was another example of Rotary humanitarian aid paid for by Rotary in RIBI and distributed through Rotarians in District 2800 in partnership with the local emergency response agencies. With thanks for the funding support from Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs across the British Isles that made this possible.

Further to previous updates on our consignment of Water-Survival Boxes sent to Japan following the earthquake and tsunami in March. Last month District 2800 Secretary Takashi Maruyama e-mailed to say that 70% of the boxes were delivered to the Fire Service HQ in  Kesennuma for distribution to families left homeless and without access to clean water by the tsunami that devastated their city. In Japan the Fire Service is the designated emergency response agency through which such donations are evaluated and then distributed. The initial uncertainty regarding the appropriateness of the WSBs was quickly overcome when the Fire Service Senior Officers had the opportunity to examine a sample box and led to their request for the bulk of those available. The remainder were sent to Kamaishi City, Sagata City, Tsuruoka City and Yamagata City. Wikipedia reports that among other cities reportedly destroyed or heavily damaged by the tsunami were Kamaishi, and Kesennuma). 

Today Rotarian Takashi Maruyama sent a further update including the following quotes from some of the recipient families together with the attached photographs showing the Water-Survival Boxes being handed over and in use.

“The photo data was given from Kesennuma Fire Station. We were so glad that we heard the many good remarks from families in Kesennuma city. These are their comments; "we are happy with these variety of goods","we've just surprised that there are many goods in the box, such as first aid equipment and tool kit.","Everything in that box is just what I wanted because my house was totally washed out by Tsunami.","My house is still having power failure so that we use flashlight so often."

The recorded comments of the families again endorse the Water-Survival Box as meeting their various needs in the aftermath of this type of natural disaster.

This was another example of Rotary humanitarian aid paid for by Rotary in RIBI and distributed through Rotarians in District 2800 in partnership with the local emergency response agencies. With thanks for the funding support from Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs across the British Isles that made this possible.  

Rotarians from Chelwood Bridge supported by volunteers from Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs in the South West of England continue to convert donations into packed boxes ready for the next emergency. Donations to help us build up our stock levels would be very welcome and should be made out to ‘Worldwaterworks Limited’ and sent to Rotary, c/o The White House, Pensford, Bristol BS39 4NE or to our registered office.