Heavy machinery – the equipment used in construction and civil engineering – is also indispensable after natural disasters, to clear earth and debris to allow rescue and reconstruction work to begin. Recently, a volunteer group that provides machine operators for disaster relief realized it would be helpful to train local residents to operate these machines in case of emergencies. We meet some women whose first-hand experience of disaster in their hometown inspired them to take this training. They formed their own team, and have already provided essential support to nearby areas that have suffered disaster.

Video by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan