USJETAA Responds to the Western Japan Flooding

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the flooding disaster in western Japan. Many JET alumni have deep-rooted connections in these regions and with the members of the affected communities. Current JETs are still in these areas dealing with the aftermath of the disaster, while those of us here in the U.S. are closely following the news and recovery efforts.

The Japan Times reports that more than 200 people have died due to the record rainfall and resulting flooding, with the death toll climbing higher every day. Rescue crews are now searching for dozens of people still missing. While the flood waters have receded in most areas, there are still advisories in many parts of Japan. Thousands of people have evacuated from the affected areas, with Okayama, Ehime, Kyoto, Hyogo, and Kochi prefectures being hit hardest. Transportation in affected areas is still disrupted due to landslides, mudslides, extreme flooding, and infrastructure damage.

In response to the damage caused by the heavy rain, USJETAA is mobilizing JET alumni and friends of JET to raise funds for those in the affected areas. Once tax deductible funds are collected, USJETAA will allocate half the funds to the Japan Platform, which is a central association for humanitarian response NGOs. Japan Platform is a cooperative initiative between 43 key NGOs involved in humanitarian responses, the Japanese government, and the business community. They are able to very quickly get the funds to the NGOs on the ground in the disaster zone.

The remaining half of the funds will be reserved while we monitor the situation and determine the areas of long-term need and evaluate the best way to allocate funding to those areas.

Please click here to donate. If you prefer to donate by check, you can also send a check by mail to:

USJETAA
1201 15^th ST NW STE 330
Washington, DC 20005

Please make checks out to USJETAA and write in the memo line that the funds are designated for “western Japan flood relief.” USJETAA will not retain any funds for administrative costs, except those that cover the associated direct fees related to collecting and remitting the payment.

Sincerely,

Bahia Simons-Lane
Executive Director of USJETAA