On Friday March 11th, Japan’s Northeast region was hit by 8.9 magnitude earthquake. It was followed by a tsunami, so powerful it spread all the way across the Pacific. The destruction is devastating. With thousands of people dead and untold numbers missing, the Japanese government and people are overwhelmed, at best.
4.4 million people are without power, 300,000 are homeless. The property destruction will total billions of dollars. Survivors are having to put up with bitter cold temperatures and shortages of food, water, fuel and medical supplies.
According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California “the Japanese earthquake shortened the Earth’s day by 1.8 microseconds and shifted the Earth’s axis most likely about 6.5 inches” An article in The NYTimes states that “Japan is now thirteen feet closer to the US.”
We are deeply saddened by the devastation and loss of life and if you, like us wish to help, below are a number of legitimate organizations who are providing aid.
The Japanese have a phrase for such times. “Shikata ga nai”. It can’t be helped.
Video Directed By: Brian Rocky Lee
Song: Only One by Alex Band
Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund
The American Red Cross: Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief
Text REDCROSS or 90999 to make $10 donation by text message.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund (run by GlobalGiving.Org)
Save the Children: Emergency Relief for Japan Quake
Toll free: 800-728-3843
Text JAPAN or 20222 to donate.