To save lives from natural disasters

8. Supporting People Living in Evacuation Shelters

This activity assists people who have been forced to live in evacuation centers due to disasters. It includes various efforts to help them live safely and as comfortably as possible.

When a disaster occurs, the Japanese Red Cross Society distributes relief supplies—such as blankets and emergency kits (containing hygiene products, daily necessities, etc.)—from its stockpiles at branches and facilities nationwide to disaster victims. These supplies help them live as comfortably as possible in evacuation centers. Over time, health and hygiene conditions in evacuation centers tend to deteriorate. To address this, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s efforts go beyond merely providing physical support, such as distributing food and setting up portable toilets; they also include psychosocial support and activities that promote self-help and mutual aid within communities.

The Japanese Red Cross Society has many volunteers working in communities across Japan, guided by the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. These volunteers, committed to supporting the local communities through Red Cross activities, play a vital role in disaster response. Their locally rooted efforts help build strong relationships between support organizations—such as local governments—and disaster victims.