Seven years have passed since the 311 Eastern Japan Earthquake. The Taiwan Red Cross has already completed its visit of reconstruction projects in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate, areas hit hardest by the earthquake. As of this year, 62 public housing projects have been completed in Iwate Prefecture, providing housing for 330 families. However, due to the preparation of the Tokyo Olympics, 372 households are still under construction. A total of 702 households are expected to be completed by 2020.
On the eve of the seventh anniversary of the Eastern Japan Earthquake, the Taiwan Red Cross was invited by the Red Cross Society of Japan to participate in the “Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Partner Conference” in Tokyo with the IFCR and ICRC. 23 Red Cross societies from across the world joined and discussed important issues such as community resilience to disasters. In order gain a deeper understanding of the recovery situation, the Red Cross Society of Japan arranged for Red Cross societies to travel to Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures to visit the sites of reconstruction projects.
After the earthquake and tsunami struck in 2011, the Taiwan Red Cross actively assisted in emergency relief efforts in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate, areas that were hit hardest. The Taiwan Red Cross assisted with providing shelter, medical care, and education. The Taiwan Red Cross also supported the Red Cross Society of Japan in the implementation of care programs for the vulnerable and activities to keep warm. Projects that have been completed at present include: 68 public housing units for the elderly in Soma City and Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture; the Miyagi Prefectural Government Office; Minamisanri Hospital; Kesennuma City Citizens Welfare Center; two nursery schools in Yamadacho, Iwate Prefecture; two nursery schools in Otsuka-cho; and 18 public housing units in 18 locations. Because of delays due to the Tokyo Olympics, projects will likely only be completed in 2020.
The Eastern Japan Earthquake resulted in 15,893 deaths with 2,565 people missing, the destruction of 535 square kilometers of land, and damages to 400,000 homes, 4,198 roads, and 116 bridges. The Taiwan Red Cross donated more than 2.5 million TWD to assist with relief efforts.