 Medical and other volunteer services begin The assistance of doctors, nurses, and other volunteer citizens have begun to reach the victims of the major earthquake in Niigata. The number of quake evacuees is estimated to be over 100,300 according to October 27 reports. They are fatigued and suffering from the cold. Doctors and nurses affiliated with the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions (Min'iren), a national network founded in 1953, have gone to Niigata from many places. Over 200 medical personnel visited evacuees at shelters on October 25 and 26 to give free medical examinations. The National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) on October 25 set up an emergency headquarters to collect donations and organize the transportation of relief materials. Member unions of the National Federation of Farmers Movement (Nominren) have sent to quake victims supplies of bread, rice and ham. The relief center that the Japanese Communist Party set up in Nagaoka City on October 26 began to receive donations, relief goods and volunteers. (end) |