災害ボラ6日目　Disaster Relief Volunteer Day 6

いわき市にある下平窪という地域は台風19号の際に多くの自宅が水害を受け、高いところでは床上浸水2メートルにまで達した地域です。今日は下平窪にある公民館で「サロン」を実施しました。「サロン」とは、地域住民の方々が集まり、おやつや飲み物を楽しみながら交流ができる場です。
Shimo-Hirakubo, an area within Iwaki-City experienced high levels of water damage, with many residences experiencing more than 2m of inundation above floor level as a result of Typhoon Hagibis. Today I was part of a team of volunteers that took part in the “salon” being held at a public center in Shimo-Hirakubo. A “salon” is a space where people can come together to socialize while enjoying drinks and snacks.

ある被災者の方が発災当時の様子を話してくれました。自宅は平家だったがロフトがあり、そこに避難したという。その際、おむかいに暮らす住民さんの声が聞こえた。「助けて」と何度も繰り返す声。でも誰も何もすることができず、その方は助からなかった。
A woman whose home was hit hard by the flooding shared her experience with me. She lives in a one-floor home, but luckily was able to evacuate to the loft in her house. That’s when she heard her neighbor across the street shout for help repeatedly. Unfortunately, no one was able to rescue her neighbor and they passed away that day.

「誰にもこういう経験を二度とさせたくない。」と涙しながら話してくれました。そして「笑顔を取り戻せたのはこのサロンがあり、ボランティアがいるから。あなたたちのことは一生忘れません。」
“I hope no one has to ever go through what we went through,” she said as tears welled up. “But the reason I’m able to smile once again is because of this salon and because of the volunteers that come here. I’ll never forget what all of you have done for me.”

二度と同じ経験をさせたくない。この言葉が忘れられない。災害が多い国、日本。気候危機で年々増えていく災害。こんなつらい経験を二度と起こさないために何ができるのだろう。これを考えていきたいと思います。
No one should have to go through the same experience. These words really resonated with me. Japan is a country with lots of natural disasters. These natural disasters will keep increasing if something isn’t done about the climate crisis. What can be done to prevent people from having to go through the same heartbreaking experience as this woman went through? I’d like to take some time to think about this important question.