In areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, the impact on people who require special consideration is becoming increasingly severe—including the death of an elderly person, suspected to be from heatstroke, who had been sleeping in a car. AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan) continues to support people with disabilities and others who are often placed in vulnerable positions.

Kumamoto Cosmos-en in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a support facility for people with disabilities that provides employment support and group-home living assistance, serving around 70 users. The facility suffered major damage from the earthquake, including partial destruction of its buildings. When AAR’s emergency team visited two days after the earthquake, more than ten people were sleeping side by side on the floor of a single space. While electricity was barely functioning, the water supply remained cut off, and one user said, “Right now, the heat is simply unbearable.”

On August 1, based on interviews with facility staff, AAR provided supplies that users needed, including adult diapers and incontinence pads. We also distributed coffee and carbonated drinks, items not typically included in standard relief supplies, which were greatly welcomed. In addition, we distributed wet towels and jelly-type food, donated by the Felissimo Foundation (an organization founded by Felissimo Corporation) as well.

Four users with severe behavioral disorders related to their disabilities, who find it difficult to live communally within the facility, are currently taking shelter in a room on the second floor of a nearby evacuation center. However, because using the toilets at the evacuation center is difficult for them, staff often have to rush them back to the toilets at their familiar facility, among other situations requiring special care. With limited staff on hand, workers have continued responding to these needs with barely any rest. One staff member expressed concern about what lies ahead, saying, “Things are hard enough now, but I’m also worried about whether the building could suffer further damage from typhoons or heavy rain.”

In addition to supporting welfare facilities for people with disabilities, AAR is also providing support tailored to the needs of the elderly, such as delivering easy-to-swallow care food to a special nursing home. AAR will continue to support people in vulnerable positions going forward. We ask for your continued support of AAR’s Kumamoto earthquake emergency response.