Salvation Army earthquake response in Japan must overcome weather and fuel issues

The Salvation Army’s earthquake response in Japan is continuing its work despite difficulties caused by snow and the lack of fuel. A team that was set to head from Tokyo to the tsunami-hit north of the country had to delay its journey because of snow but has now made its way to Sendai, where a distribution will take place tomorrow morning (Saturday).

The three teams have distributed blankets, water bottles, bread and diapers in Sendai, Koriyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima and Mito City.

The Salvation Army distribution teams are well aware of the concerns surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station and are staying clear of the exclusion zones.

The fuel and weather problems mean that people have had to be flexible. One team that tried to get to Sendai but were unable to make it all the way met the needs of some smaller communities around Koriyama on the way back to Tokyo.

The focus is understandably on the immediate response but longer-term plans are being put in place, such as the provision of cooking equipment when people return to their communities. As it often does in emergency responses, The Salvation Army will pay particular attention to communities that have been missed by the government and other agencies.