Helping those in Japan during this tragic time
As the situation in Japan continues to grow more worrisome it is becoming even more imperative that we reach out and do what we can to assist them in their time of need. The death toll has already risen to over 10,000 people and this number will most likely continue to grow. The concern after tragedy such as earthquakes and tsunamis strike becomes one of worsening living conditions due to issues of sanitation, power outages and shortage of medical supplies and clean water.
The news has been spreading rapidly regarding the stability of nuclear plants impacted by the devastation along Japan’s coast. Fears of a nuclear meltdown is something very real to the people in Japan and in surrounding countries. During a time of panic and uncertainty it is understandably hard for everyone to maintain composure and rational thinking so I feel it is extremely important for the rest of the world to try and stay as calm and helpful as possible.
The escalating nuclear crisis follows explosions at two reactors at the earthquake-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, 170 miles north of Tokyo. Technicians are trying to stabilize a third reactor (BBC) at the plant.
During this time here are things you can do to help:
- Donate to the International Medical Corps >>
- SOS Children’s Villages stands ready to support children and families in peril in Japan and the Pacific Rim.
- The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund was launched at GlobalGiving.org to garner funds that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake.
- Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan. To learn more about the organization’s efforts or make a donation, visit Doctorswithoutborders.org.
- Shelterbox – Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless.
- Children’s Hunger Fund is seeking opportunities to respond and provide help to the victims through local on-the-ground churches and ministries and other non-profits.
- Japan Aid Design Projects
- Top Knotch Disaster Relief Bracelets (TopKnotch)
- I Helped Japan Relief Campaign (Rhodric Photography)
- UNICEF USA is there for Japan’s children
- World Vets Prepares First-Responder Team for Deployment to Japan
MARCH 15, 2011 UPDATE
The nuclear reactor situation in Japan has deteriorated significantly. Two more explosions occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 15.
The first occurred at 6:10 a.m. local time at reactor No. 2, which had seen nuclear fuel rods exposed for several hours after dropping water levels due to mishaps in the emergency cooling efforts. Within three hours the amount of radiation at the plant rose to 163 times the previously recorded level, according to Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency.
i was really scared knowing that 2 of my aunts are there but I really thank the Lord for keeping the folks safe
My country was hit by the same catastrophe once, so (more or less) I know that donation programs such as these will be much needed by Japan and everybody there.
So, Help Japan.