The earthquake and tsunami left more than 3,200 people dead or missing in Ishinomaki city.
Of a total 163,000 inhabitants of Ishinomaki city, 110,000 were directly affected by the disaster – with some 30,000 people losing their jobs as a result of subsequent economic disruption. In addition, around 78,000 buildings were damaged, of which 44,000 were completely destroyed.

Immediately after disaster struck, local volunteers formed the Ishinomaki Future Support Association (IFSA) – formerly known as IDRAC – to coordinate the work of over 300 international and local NGOs and NPOs, and more than 70,000 volunteers in the area. The JTI Foundation funded IFSA’s staff, enabling them to continue the organization’s activities on a paid basis.

IFSA was the key information and coordination hub for all those involved in disaster response. Cooperating with the Ishinomaki City Council, IFSA acted as the general disaster management coordination body, and was represented at all daily council and local Disaster Response Headquarters meetings chaired by Ishinomaki’s Mayor – the only Not for profit institution to have officially fulfilled this role.

Key numbers

OVER 20 YEARS OF INVESTMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES

45

Countries where we have supported our partners’ work in response to a growing range of threats to life and livelihood

50

Million USD invested since 2001 to help communities better prepare for – and recover from – natural and man-made disasters

100

Projects addressing a broad range of challenges, including mine-clearance, emergency shelter, resilient housing solutions and capacity building

Other projects

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The JTI Foundation works with some of the most renowned organizations in the fields of disaster risk management and disaster response. If you think you have a project that meets our criteria, please use this link to complete an application.

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Preparedness

We support measures that increase the preparedness of communities threatened by natural disasters. We assist in project design and implementation and promote risk awareness and community collaboration.

Response

We invest in partnerships that allow us to provide rapid and effective support to victims in the immediate aftermath of disasters, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, famines and armed conflicts.

Resilience

We promote projects that help communities recover from the impact of disasters and strengthen their resilience – rebuilding lives and livelihoods as quickly and sustainably as possible.

About us

Established in 2001, the JTI Foundation is a charitable organization registered under Swiss law and financially endowed by JT International SA.

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