A Path to Restoration: LCIF’s Response to Japan’s Noto Earthquake

On January 1, 2024, a massive earthquake ripped through the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. This earthquake had a moment magnitude of 7.5 and a focal depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), resulting in a massive trail of destruction that included 245 confirmed deaths and 1,298 injuries. At least 89,666 structures were damaged, including over 76,000 houses, leaving families stranded without a roof over their heads. People were forced to live in evacuation shelters for months and thousands of households went without running water.

“This is the most devastating earthquake we’ve seen in this area in eight years. Thousands of people’s lives were torn apart from this catastrophe,” said Lion Norio Kataoka of Kanazawa Kikusui Lions Club and zone chair of Shigeru Sugimoto.

This record-breaking disaster is the deadliest earthquake in Japan since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and the largest earthquake to strike Ishikawa since at least 1885. After seeing how many lives this earthquake impacted, Lions quickly took action. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) awarded US$200,000 to Lions in Japan for disaster relief and an LCIF Rescue Committee was established.

Lions used their LCIF grant to support the immediate needs of affected families. They distributed sanitary items, disposable heating pads, cardboard beds, water, bags of wash-free rice, vegetable juice, sandbags, oral hygiene products and diapers. However, providing these supplies was not easy.

The roads leading to the affected region were difficult for Lions to navigate, as the already narrow streets were cluttered with debris from collapsed houses. With transportation posing a formidable challenge, Lions purchased eight mini trucks to reach as many people as possible. Beyond these essentials, the grant also purchased tents for Lions to use as outdoor soup kitchens, where people could come together for a warm meal and mutual support. These heartfelt initiatives were made in an effort to restore a sense of normalcy and connection among the victims whose lives were disrupted.

“It is hard to describe the fear and confusion that comes with a terrible disaster like this one, but we are resilient and together, we will rebuild,” said District Governor Susumu Koide of District 334-D. "We are so grateful to LCIF for helping us through this tragic event. They are restoring the hope everyone thought they had lost.”

Even under the toughest conditions, Lions are committed to helping communities recover from disaster with hope. LCIF Disaster Relief Grants enable Lions to look beyond the chaos of these catastrophes and focus on impactful community service. As the only global foundation serving Lions, LCIF is grateful to be able to provide a variety of grant opportunities to support different phases of disaster relief efforts made possible by the generous contributions of donors worldwide.

“When disasters strike, Lions are among the first to respond to the needs of the people impacted,” 2023-2024 LCIF Chairperson Brian Sheehan said. “Our members live and work in the region and will remain poised to help communities continue to rebuild long after this tragedy. LCIF is proud to be able to support their efforts.”

Learn more about LCIF Disaster Relief Grants at lcif.org/disaster-grants.