While many of us were counting down to the weekend, Japan experienced a 9.0 earthquake – the worst in its recorded history last Friday. Many footage like the above filled our television screens, causing not only shocks but tears from those far & near.
The Japanese meteorological agency warned that there was a 70% possibility of a magnitude 7 or greater tremor during the next three days. The tsunami warning was lifted, but warned that aftershocks could cause further waves.
The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that at least 1,600 people were known to have died and 10,000 were missing. Almost 600,000 have been displaced, or evacuated, because of the earthquake and tsunami or radiation fears, it added. The nation is also experiencing a blackout in several areas, that could last for weeks.
The Kyodo news agency reported that more than 20,000 buildings nationwide were either destroyed or badly damaged. Some 2.6 million households were without power and 1.4 million without drinking water, said Japan’s ministry of health, labour and welfare, although electricity was restored to some parts of Sendai city. Others in the area reported food shortages.
With destruction and damage of such magnitude, other countries are sending aid & food supplies in droves. But the road to recovery is long and any help they receive will still fall short of what they would need to rebuild the affected areas.
As such, we have compiled a list of links where you can assist or donate. Do check the links below, and please add to the list should you know of other means for us Singaporeans to help the Japanese in need. You can either leave a comment in the comments section or email to [email protected] and we will update the list accordingly.
Links (Updated!):
- Mercy Relief – Click here
- Google – Click here
- Fundraising for Japan – Click here
[…] you wish to donate and help, please click here for the available links you can go to. […]
NUS ‘SEND LOVE TO JAPAN 2011’
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