Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part One] Post-Disaster Relief

Original post HERE: 14 Mar 2011
Discrepancy due to failure to export/import blog

Friday, 11th March 2011, one of the largest earthquake ever recorded of magnitude 8.9 struck Japan, and to make things worse, a deadly tsunami shortly spawned and slammed into the nation's east coast, leaving a huge swath of devastation in its wake, bringing the land of the rising sun to its knees.

It is one of the biggest catastrophes that happened since World War 2; official reports on Sunday estimates the death tolls of up to 10,000 so far, with expected increment as thousands more of people remains un-contactable or missing. The devastating combo of both earthquake and tsunami left millions of people without water, food, electricity, homes or shelter. Tens of thousands of people had to take refuge in schools and stadiums to keep out of the freezing cold temperatures.

As if things weren't bad enough, they are still facing the problem of possible total nuclear meltdown. As reported in the news, a hydrogen explosion occurred inside a severely overheated reactor vessel of a nuclear power plant. The earthquake and tsunami severed electricity to the Fukushima Dai-chi nuclear complex, crippling its cooling system and backup power did not kick in properly to sustain. All I can say is, it's hell of of a mess in Japan and it breaks many hearts to see this.

Fortunately, it is a little blessing that due to Japan's constant effort to lend a hand or donate when other countries encounter perilous disasters, like when Hurricane Katrina impacted the United States. According to Japan's Foreign Minister, they are now receiving offer of help from a total of 69 countries. I would say its good karma # still, as they say, "A Good Deed Begets Another".

Photos courtesy of Yahoo! News.

Vehicles block a canal after they were deposited there in Tagajo, Miyagi prefecture on March 13.

A damaged house stands covered in debris and mud in Minamisanriku town in Miyagi prefecture on March 13, after a tsunami sparked by a massive earthquake. Japan is battling a feared meltdown of two reactors at a quake-hit nuclear plant, as the full horror of the disaster emerges on the ravaged northeast coast where more than 10,000 are feared dead.

This post-tsunami pictures shows a portion of Fukushima's Fubata town, totally submerged in water, with debris floating all over. A 60 year old man was spotted floating off the coast after being swept away by the tsunami. He was in good condition.

A resident with his young children walks past cars upturned by the tsunami east of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture. Looks like a scene from a Die Hard movie, but its a nightmare in reality.

Burnt out vehicles that were parked for export are piled in disarray at a port at Tokai village in Ibaraki prefecture. It now looks like a car crematory.

Probably the most heart wrenching picture. One of the many billboards with countless notes where the survivors post in search of their missing loved ones. Many are heart broken.

Cars washed inland by the tsunami sit in debris-covered water outside Sendai in Miyage prefecture. Wastelands of mud and debris now stretch along Japan's northeast coast where towns and villages used to be, consumed by a terrifying tsunami triggered by Japan's biggest ever earthquake.

A couple walks past cars upturned by the tsunami. What used to be the city of Miyako, now becomes a sight too painful to watch.

As all communications are cut off, survivors taking refuge in a school make an "SOS" sign in the playground of the school in the town of Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture. The earthquake off the coast of Japan and the resulting tsunami has proven, yet again, how the Internet offers an information lifeline to the world in a time of crisis.

If seeing those pictures above make your heart ache, and wish to do your part, below are organizations that are working on relief and recovery in the region. However, if you are unable to donate but wish to contribute a little effort, there is no shame. You can help spread the word of the sites of those organizations below and see who can help. Everyone can play a small but significant part. Let's all do something for Japan!

Groupon [Singapore]: They usually give good discounted deals of food, shopping and a lot more. This time round they aren't giving any discounts nor going for any profit, but they are also playing a part to get donations to assist Japan. Donate Here.

American Red Cross: Gifts to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund will support their disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Donate Here.

Americares: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate Here.

Convoy Of Hope: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate Here.

GlobalGiving: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate Here.

Internation Medical Corps: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate Here.

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate Here.

Save The Children: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate Here.

ShelterBox: ShelterBox responds instantly to natural and man-made disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are most in need. The box includes a tent for a family of 10, cooker, blankets, water purification, tool kit and other items survivors need to rebuild their lives in the days, weeks and months following a disaster. Donate Here.

I'll would like to draw a line here for Part One of this article. There are 3 parts and I have more views to share regarding the reactions of the general public.

#: If you have questions or disagree about the good karma portion, example: pearl harbor, it would a good idea to click below to read my next post,

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part Two] Reactions and Statement of Opinions

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: [Part Three] Actions Speak Louder Than Words