2018年7月に起きた西日本豪雨災害は、ここ宇和島市に大きな爪痕を残しました。被災した人々に必要な支援を迅速に届けるため、地域の個人・企業・NPO・公共団体・行政府の有志達が集まり、各地域で起こった災害情報を共有する「牛鬼会議」が組織されました。以来、定期的な会議が現在も行われ、災害発生時から変化したフェーズに向き合い、今後に予測されている災害に対応できる地域社会を作るために「牛鬼会議」は活動を続けています。

災厄から人々を守る宇和島地方の伝承文化「牛鬼」が、この地域の人々にとって特別な存在であるように、「牛鬼会議」は今後も宇和島の情報共有・情報発信の拠点として活動し、故郷である宇和島を見守っています。

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The torrential rains of July 2018, known as the Western Japan Heavy Rain Disaster, left profound damage here in Uwajima City. To ensure that necessary assistance could be delivered swiftly to those affected, volunteers from across the community—including individuals, businesses, NPOs, public organizations, and administrative bodies—came together to share disaster-related information from each affected area. Through this collective effort, the Ushioni Kaigi (“Ushioni Council”) was established.

Since then, regular meetings have continued to this day. By responding to the evolving phases that follow disaster onset and by preparing for risks anticipated in the future, the Ushioni Kaigi has remained committed to building a community capable of effective disaster response.

Just as Ushioni—a traditional figure in Uwajima folklore believed to protect people from calamities—holds special meaning for local residents, the Ushioni Kaigi continues to serve as a hub for information sharing and communication in Uwajima, watching over the city and supporting its people with a steadfast sense of purpose.