Japan Floods and Landslides: Volunteers flock to disaster zones

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02:32

The death toll from the historic floods and landslides in Japan has exceeded more than 200. Over 30 are still missing and thousands remain in evacuation centers. But the tragedy is also bringing out the spirit of volunteerism among Japanese. Survivors are getting much-needed help not just from the government, but from strangers. CGTN's Barnaby Lo has this story.

This group of men and women had driven two hours from Kobe to Kurashiki City to help survivors of last weekend's record rainfall, most of whom have had to flee their homes. Because if there's anyone who can sympathize with this town's plight, it's them.

ISHIHIRO YAMAMOTO VOLUNTEER GROUP LEADER "I experienced the Kobe earthquake in 1995. I received a lot of help at the time so this is my way of giving back. I've been doing this for over 20 years."

Mabi district in Kurashiki was hit by the worst flooding in what was Japan's worst weather disaster in three decades. Supplies and basic necessities have arrived after days of shortages, but clean up and recovery may take a while.

BARNABY LO KURASHIKI, JAPAN "Because the destruction is so immense and it's affecting such a huge part of Japan, government itself cannot address all the needs of the victims and survivors, so volunteers are stepping in to fill the gaps."

Ishihiro Yamamoto's group came straight to the disaster zone with all the necessary resources. But for other volunteers who may not be as well-equipped, local governments have set up locations where they can sign up. So far, the response has been overwhelming, but more help is needed over the long term.

KOTA SHIRATORI VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR "If 10,000 volunteers come to this volunteer station, we cannot afford because that's too many people at one time. So we need volunteers to come a little, a little per day, not only weekends, we need them weekdays also, so long term."

Ishihiro says they're helping out only for a couple of days this time, but they won't stop coming back, until they see the people of this town get their lives back on track. Barnaby Lo, CGTN, Kurashiki City, Japan.