LDS-Christian Church Volunteers Played Key Role in 2011 Japan Tsunami Relief

More than 22,000 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided over 175,000 hours of service in the aftermath of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011. The disaster, which claimed over 19,000 lives and caused an estimated $235 billion in damage, became a top humanitarian priority for the Church.

The Church committed $13 million to support relief and recovery efforts and distributed more than 250 tons of supplies, including food, water, blankets, bedding, hygiene items, clothing, and fuel, during the first months after the tragedy. An employment resource center was established in Sendai to help affected residents recover livelihoods.

Church leaders also focused on restoring vital infrastructure and supporting local industries. In June 2011, the Church announced donations of an industrial-size ice maker, a cold-storage unit, and three refrigerated trucks to fishermen in a small village near Sendai, where nearly all 84 fishing boats had been destroyed. In November, additional equipment—including trucks, 4,500 nets, 3,000 octopus cages, and large containers—was provided to the fishing cooperatives in Kuji and Noda Mura, helping local communities resume daily operations.

Church missionaries contributed to cultural restoration as well. Around the same time, 80 missionaries helped repair the Yawata Shrine in Tagajo, a historic landmark severely damaged by flooding, washed-away vehicles, and destroyed sacred artifacts.

During a visit to Japan in 2012, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a senior Church leader, praised the faith and resilience of the Japanese people, describing their response as “an example for the whole world.” The Church continues to maintain deep concern for the people of Japan and a commitment to humanitarian aid as the country continues its long-term recovery.