The Asia-Africa Cooperation Environment Center started packing rescue supplies Monday in Kobe in an effort to help survivors of Hurricane Katrina in the U.S.
The ACEC was founded in the aftermath of the Dec. 26 earthquake off Sumatra that triggered massive tsunamis.
The group decided to divert the rescue supplies reserved for Sumatra to the U.S. Gulf Coast instead.
The supplies will be shipped and distributed to the survivors via the Red Cross this week.
"At the time of the (1995 Great Hanshin) earthquake, there weren't enough blankets. The victims of Hurricane Katrina would be in the same situation," said ACEC chief Yukitaka Uritani.
"I want to collect blankets, towels and clothes and give them to those in need."
