The Japan Times has started a charity drive to raise money for people in flood-affected areas in western Japan.

Flooding and mudslides caused by torrential downpours earlier this month left more than 210 people dead, while nearly 5,000 evacuees remain in shelters. Hiroshima, Okayama and Ehime prefectures were hit hardest by the rain and ensuing flooding.

Peace Winds Japan volunteers distribute water in an afflicted area.
Peace Winds Japan volunteers distribute water in an afflicted area. | COURTESY OF PEACE WINDS JAPAN

Specifically, The Japan Times is fundraising for Peace Winds Japan, a Japanese nongovernmental organization that provides emergency humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to many parts of the world.

To help the region recover from the disaster, PWJ has been actively conducting emergency relief operations in areas such as the cities of Mihara and Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture and Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. PWJ has been distributing relief items, supporting evacuation centers and dispatching search and rescue teams to multiple locations.

Peace Winds Japan volunteers install cardboard-based structures designed by architect Shigeru Ban at a gym converted into a shelter in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture.
Peace Winds Japan volunteers install cardboard-based structures designed by architect Shigeru Ban at a gym converted into a shelter in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. | COURTESY OF PEACE WINDS JAPAN

If readers wish to contribute to the charity, donations can be made via the following website:

http://jtimes.jp/pwj

For more information about PWJ’s latest relief activities, please visit: http://peace-winds.org/en/news/1555