2026/08/03
Regarding Local Volunteer Activities Following the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake (Request)
2026/08/03
Regarding Local Volunteer Activities Following the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake (Request)
Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Volunteer Support Office)
To all Keio students,
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the recent 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.
We believe many Keio students, seeing the situation in the disaster-affected areas through news reports, are thinking, "I want to help in some way" or "I want to be involved in support activities on the ground." As a university, we express our deep respect for such feelings and the will to take action.
However, in the affected areas at present, the highest priority is being given to life-saving efforts, the transport of emergency supplies, and the restoration of lifelines and infrastructure. There are also concerns regarding the impact on road conditions and transportation networks, health risks due to extreme heat, and the danger of secondary disasters following aftershocks.
Furthermore, relevant organizations, including disaster volunteer centers, are still in the process of setting up systems to receive support activities. In such a situation, entering the area based on individual judgment may result in creating a burden on activities and restoration work in the disaster-affected areas.
Therefore, we ask that Keio students refrain from conducting volunteer activities in the affected areas based on individual judgment until the systems for receiving volunteers in those areas are ready.
〇 Local Volunteer Activities
Please refrain from volunteer activities in the affected areas based on individual judgment until official systems for receiving volunteers are in place. If you are considering activities on the ground, please make a decision after checking the latest information through the websites of the local Social Welfare Councils.
Furthermore, disaster volunteer activities require an understanding of safety management and conduct in disaster-affected areas, as well as the knowledge and mindset necessary for support activities. To prepare for future support activities, please start by collecting necessary information and learning.
→ Kumamoto Prefectural Social Welfare Council "Kumamoto Prefecture Disaster Volunteer Information" (https://www.fukushi-kumamoto.or.jp/kvc/)
〇 Checking and Understanding Accurate Information
Please check official information from the Japan National Council of Social Welfare, local governments, and disaster volunteer centers. At this point, we ask that you do not "go immediately," but rather "watch the situation and wait for the necessary time."
While cherishing your feelings of solidarity with the affected areas, we ask for your cooperation in providing support at the appropriate time and through appropriate methods.
Support for disaster-affected areas is not limited to activities on the ground. There are ways to support the affected areas without going there, such as through relief funds, donations to support organizations, and sharing reliable information. While cherishing your thoughts for those affected, please first strive to grasp accurate information and act at the appropriate time and through appropriate methods.