trivard676On March 11, 2011 at 2:46pm, Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake. What was originally pegged as an 8.9 has been upgraded to a 9.0 – the worst in the country’s history. Brought on by the earthquake, a killer tsunami ravaged the coast taking away homes, possessions, and leaving thousands stranded.
A crisis made worse, Japan now scrambles to avert a nuclear disaster. Two nuclear plants in the affected areas are facing potential complete meltdowns. Populations around the affected plants have been evacuated to avoid radiation exposure. Exposure to radiation can cause a number of adverse health affects, affects that we would be able to feel around the globe. Some of the claims are being downplayed to avoid widespread panic, but looking at the big picture, the facts are plain to see. With more than 10 000 people feared to have perished in the disaster, this is being called the biggest disaster to hit the area since the end of WWII.
Across the globe, it’s difficult to think of. It’s even more difficult to feel helpless. But fortunately there are steps that you can take to help. The rescue effort has begun, and you have a chance to be a part of it. Do consider making a charitable donation to one of the following organizations. Even a small donation can make a huge impact in the lives of the people whose lives have been forever changed by this tragic event.
1. The Red Cross
The American Red Cross is offering assistance to those affected by Friday’s earthquake and tsunami. In addition, as part of preparations for the impact of the tsunami on Hawaii and The West Coast, the American Red Cross provided shelter and comfort to people forced to evacuate from their homes. Chapters in California, Oregon and Washington opened evacuation centres supporting more than 2500 people seeking refuge from the tsunami waves.
The Japanese Red Cross has indicated that it would accept financial support from the American Red Cross for its role providing first aid, emotional support and relief items to those displaced.
2. Doctors Without Borders
The Doctors Without Borders/Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) team was sent to the area devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. They are assessing the area and assisting in the massive government-led relief effort. The team has expanded to 10 people working in Miyagi PRefecture, and additional personnel will head towards the area on Monday.
As they continue their assessments, the teams will focus on the particular needs of more vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children, as well as people suffering from chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Doctors Without Borders website.
3. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in Japan immediately dispersed teams following the disaster to the most severely affecter areas, where they are distributing basic necessities to the survivors. These teams will also assess the damage to discern the next steps in their relief efforts. The Salvation Army has been at work in Japan since 1895, operating out of more than 80 centres there, including two hospitals and four children’s homes.
4. Save the Children
Save the Children has sent emergency response team sto assess the needs of children and their families in the worst affected tsunami areas between Miyagi Prefecature and Tokyo. The Save the Children teams will be within 80 miles of the nuclear reactor at Fukushima, where there has been an explosion.
Save the Children is looking to set up child-friendly spaces in the worst-affected areas. these spaces provide children with an opportunity to play safely with other children while freeing up their parents to work on the recovery. Save the Children has been operating in Japan for 25 years.
–jeeves86
Source: Reuters,
Save the Children,
The Salvation Army,
Doctors Without Borders,
The Red Cross
