This time, we are reporting on our third trip to support disaster relief efforts after the destruction caused by Typhoons Hagibis and Bualoi.

Two staff members from our last trip in October visited Fukushima City and Marumori City (Miyagi Prefecture).

In Fukushima, we worked alongside the non-profit organization Hanamiyama wo Mamoru Kai (Committee to Protect Hanamiyama) to help clean up Hanamiyama mountain. We built bamboo handrails along the mountain paths and helped trim and remove trees blocking the road. We also dug stairs into the steeper trails so that climbers would have an easier time.

Bamboo handrails                      Staff member carrying bamboo          Digging stairs on the trail

We stayed in Marumori City from the 15th to the 17th. 2 months after the typhoons, the city is starting to rebuilt its infrastructure, beginning with the larger roads and bridges. On the other hand, many of the houses closer to the mountains were still destroyed. We worked together with the non-profit organization Open Japan to conduct support activities.

CheFuKo staff helped clear out mud, distribute food to the emergency shelters, and cook dinner at the community meeting-hall.

We made sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese hot pot. Everyone enjoyed the warm food.

We plan to continue our support activities in Marumori City.

The damaged area                     Sukiyaki and stewed pumpkin

Take-home lunch boxes