Update Field Report:
Arrived to Kesennuma just after 17:00 JST 2/16/2012
We were guided to the temporary housing community in middle of the urban district of Kesennuma, (Makinohara) and another temporary housing community (Akaiwa Makinohara), a temporary housing community where 36 of 56 family units are the solitary elderlies, but is isolated from urban area and public transportation.
In Akaiwa Makinohara half of the water pipes are frozen and they cannot use water, and the floor is very cold so Futon is not enough to bear the cold. Sometimes condensation occurs and Futon gets moldy. So this time we bought 20 mattresses for them.
The area of the room for 1 family in the community is about 6.5 square meters. Non-emergency items needed at the present are sewing machines, washing machines and air purifiers.
They said Kesennuma city government does follow-up measures providing space heaters etc. Also providing housing where needed. However everything from the city is leased not issued or donated. They can keep leased items (in their narrow rooms) until the lease period is over. Most cities give supplies away to their citizens, but not in Kesennuma. We are not sure as to why at the moment.
We talked to 4 local volunteers in Kesennuma, who shared their experiences from 3/11/2012 and they were almost crying while speaking to us.
Rescue Japan and GPOP relief organizations plan to do provide future Aid support and events for this community.
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They are working in cooperation with GCEJRAM
Their Sendai-based partner is located at:
一般社団法人 東日本復興支援機構
〒981-3213
宮城県仙台市泉区南中山1-30-14
“General Corporation East Japan Reconstruction Assistance mechanism.”
〒981-3213
1-30-14 Minaminakayama
Izumi-ku Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
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