SINGAPORE, 11 July – Mercy Relief, Singapore’s leading independent disaster relief agency is en route to Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture in Japan to conduct the first phase of emergency relief operations where torrential downpours have caused flash flooding and landslides in western Japan on 8 July.
Together with a ground partner, Mercy Relief will be distributing hot meals to fulfill the urgent needs of the displaced communities. The organisation is expected to distribute over 6,000 meals at Nima Primary School which include hot soup and fruits, among other things.
Paul Long, Executive Director at Mercy Relief said, “We are supporting those displaced from homes with immediate needs – food and nutrition while we continue to assess further needs. As we closely monitor the situation with our ground partner, we hope to assist in aiding their recovery as well.”
According to Channel NewsAsia, the official death toll from the floods has risen to 179 casualties while more than two million people have been forced to evacuate their homes. The number of victims is expected to increase further as officials determine the damage in affected areas. Rescue workers, as well as troops, have been struggling in the mud and water to save lives.
Mercy Relief will be launching a public fundraising appeal in Singapore from 12 July to 11 August. Members of the public can also make their donations via the following channels:
1) Credit Card donation via Mercy Relief’s website: www.mercyrelief.org/join/donate
2) Crossed cheque made out to “Mercy Relief Limited” with “Japan Floods 2018 Relief” and email address written on the back of the cheque, and mailed to Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160
3) Cash donations at Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, Singapore 310160
4) Fund transfer to Mercy Relief’s DBS Current Account 054-900741-2
5) Crowdfund via giving.sg for the “Japan Floods 2018 Relief”: https://www.giving.sg/mercy-relief/japanfloods2018
