2011-03-12
AMDA Emergency Bulletin #1: Japan Earthquake

In response to the catastrophic earthquake that hit northern Japan (mag. 8.8) on Friday, Mar. 11th, AMDA dispatched its emergency relief team from its headquarters in Okayama, western Japan. The extensive quake that has affected Tohoku and other regions continues to rattle the nation with frequent aftershocks in the scale of mag 5-7. The devastating tsunami caused by the quake has washed away the cities in the disaster stricken area which has worsened the damage done by the quake.

While the number of death toll/affected population is constantly on the rise, the death toll as of noon, Mar. 12th is topping 440 and more than 800 people have been missing. Basic infrastructures such as water and electricity have not yet recovered in many places, hence lifelines need to be recovered without any loss of time.

AMDA team comprising one coordinator, one nurse and two doctors (pediatrician/physician, physician/public health specialist) left Okayama in the morning of Mar. 12 and headed to Niigata to secure the logistic point and access to the worst-hit area. The team is mainly aiming to support the vulnerable elderly, however, their further scope of activities will be determined based on the needs assessment and information gathering at the local sites. Upon their arrival in Niigata, the team will be procuring relief goods such as medicine, water and food supplies, and at the same time, will further act as a liason for the incoming relief personnel.

Stay tuned for updates.

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