At approximately 10:40pm PT on Thursday night a massive 8.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan and was followed by a 7.4 aftershock and so many more. The main quake was the world's 5th largest earthquake since 1900.
The quakes sent a tsunami inland across Japan's northeastern coastline, devastating homes, farmland, and devouring everything in its path. The extent of the damage is still unclear, but we know that it will be large and Japan will need international support to rebuild.
The magnitude of devastation is unimaginable that it will take the people of Japan especially those in the most hard-hit areas to re-build their lives. My heart bleeds as I see live images of the tsunami impact and its' aftermath that I myself can't explain how the psychological impact must be for the victims.
Relief drives have started and in my own way to help aside from actually donating, I have gathered information as to how we can all help. In times like these, we have to be careful of scams and so with these legit and direct organizations hereunder, please consider helping if you have any resources possible:
1. Help Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Victims
This project is operated by the American National Red Cross which helps countless individuals affected by disasters both in the U.S. and internationally. Donations will support disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Please help support their work by giving to where the need is greatest.
2. American Red Cross: Donate Funds
If you want to get involved with an organization then American Red Cross is the way to go.
3. Global Giving: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
This project will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Global Giving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground.
4. Save the Children: Mobilizes Response To Massive Japan Earthquake, Tsunamis
Save the Children is mobilizing its' global resources to respond to the needs of the children and families affected by the earthquake and its' aftermath. An International emergency team has been dispatched to assist staff in Japan. This humanitarian agency has been in Japan for 25 years and was a major responder to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed 225,000 people.
Let us begin the convoy of hope...there are a dozen of ways to help the victims of the disaster in Japan but may I remind you that not all of them are effective or even legit thus; I have gathered links for these aforementioned 4 organizations because I have seen them in the past, helping millions rebuild lives.
All images are courtesy of and taken from The New York Times, used here to help bring love and hope for the people of Japan.