You know what happened, a 9.1 earthquake, twice more powerful than the initial estimate of 8.9, a tsunami that rippled across the ocean including Hawaii, Alaska, and the Western coast of the U.S. mainland, massive devastation and death. In Japan over 1,000 dead, untold still unaccounted for and now fears at nuclear power plants. Japan declared a state of emergency for five nuclear reactors at two power plants after the units lost cooling ability. Radiation is leaking outside one plant. UPDATE: Japan may have only hours to prevent a nuclear meltdown.
Pressure at the Fukushima-Daini nuclear power plant has reached 2.1 times normal and Number one reactor is overheating, after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami. Prime minister Naoto Kan declared a nuclear emergency as his trade minister admitted that a radiation leak might occur. Expanded evacuations of the area have begun with some 3,000 people have already been urged to leave their homes.
Here are ways viewers can help:
Online
The American Red Cross is collecting donations for its disaster relief efforts to help people in Japan and throughout the Pacific.
Save the Children is collecting donations and has dispatched an international emergency team to assist staff in Japan.
International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Fund is collecting donations and is preparing to send relief teams and supplies to the country.
The Salvation Army is collecting donations while its counterpart in Japan responds to victims' needs.
Donations to GlobalGiving's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund will be distributed to a variety of relief and emergency services agencies.
From Your Phone
The American Red Cross is also collecting donations via text message. Donors can text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to give $10 for relief efforts.
The Salvation Army is collecting $10 donations for each text with the words "Quake" or "Japan" sent to 80888. Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
By Mail
Check donations for The Salvation Army's Japan efforts must be marked "Japan earthquake relief" and sent to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 1959
Atlanta, GA
30301-0959
In Japan
Google launched a crowdsourcing database for those searching for people in Japan and for those with information about people in Japan.
This is just horrible. I pray for these poor people. Every year - another disaster, it never ends.
Posted by: Layla | March 11, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Snake Hunters Sez,
It's a gimme, gimme world.
When a disaster strikes, the Salvation Army is there, without strutting or pious posturing.
How many people know their one-word motto? - > 'OTHERS'
reb
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Posted by: Snake Hunters | March 11, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Snake-Hunter Sez,
JAPAN - Imagine it - Eighty-three after-shocks in 21 hours!
reb
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Posted by: Snake Hunters | March 12, 2011 at 08:51 AM