Soka Gakkai Members Support Earthquake Relief Efforts in Japan

On June 14, 2008, a massive earthquake of upper 6 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 struck the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan and left 12 people dead, 10 missing and over 440 injured as of July 3. The Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake destroyed roads and a 95-meter bridge, cutting off isolated village communities in mountainous areas.

On the day of the quake, the Soka Gakkai set up disaster relief centers in Tokyo, Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures to assist in local emergency rescue and relief efforts. Soka Gakkai leaders in the Tohoku region traveled to the affected areas to assess the damage and encourage local members.

In Kurihara City, Miyagi where the water system was down for two weeks, Soka Gakkai youth members delivered drinking water. Many members continue to volunteer to provide relief supplies and assistance to quake victims, including night patrols and day care services.

[Adapted from articles in the June 15 and July 5, 2008 issues of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]