Local residents look at a mountain of debris left by the March 11 tsunami and earthquake in Natori in Miyagi Prefecture on March 16, 2011. Japan's Emperor Akihito delivered a rare address to a jittery nation in dread of nuclear catastrophe on March 16 as millions struggled in desperate conditions after quake and tsunami disasters. Photo credit: Toru Yamanaka / AFP
If you’ve been following the aftermath of last week’s massive earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan you’re probably wondering how you can help. Millions are affected, recovery will be protracted and difficult.
Besides the initial, tragic effects of the disaster, millions of people in Japan still have no running water or power. Lines spanning city blocks and lasting hours are forming, as thousands look to acquire basic essentials. All supplies are being rationed.
As overwhelming images of the devastation rush in Japan, many compassionate Americans feel the urge to help. The best way, however, to contribute to the massive relief effort is not always clear. The Center for International Disaster Information provides some very useful information on how you can help.
When disasters happen abroad, the best and most effective way for Americans to help is to give cash. Donating cash instead of goods ensures that victims can get the quickest possible access to basic items on the ground provided by our experienced humanitarian partners.
By learning how to give responsibly, and by making sure that others understand the importance of cash donations as well, you can have a real and lasting impact on the lives of international disaster victims.
For more information on how to help provide individual assistance to those affected by the disaster in Japan, please click here.
For the latest on the United States Agency for International Development’s Response to the crisis in Japan, please click here.
Red Cross worker Daniel Jordan counts donations during a "drive-through" fundraiser benefiting the American Red Cross Japan Tsunami Fund at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on March 15, 2011. Photo Credit: AFP Photo/ Mark Ralston
It is my understanding that the monies we and others donated to Hati two years ago, a large portion of which has yet to be spend for relief for the Hati people. We would like to donate to the Japan crisis, but we would like some asurance, that is where the money will used.
Every normal person will feel obligated to contribute to help the Japanese people. Is there a central purse for this? How can Nigerians participate in this noble cause?
Thank you.
We are very glad for thinking about disaster of Japan by people all over the world.
Still, these a chain of disasters do not end.
The Japanese is doing inconvenient life, and holding fear.
I went to the Japanese red cross from the Japanese Embassy in the US. Money goes straight to Japanese red cross in Tokyo!
Mr. and Mrs. Bourret: It is my understanding that after big disasters, money is often received in such large amounts that it cannot be spent right away in an effective manner. This is especially true in very poor countries like Haiti, where the basics of living were already in short supply even before the disaster. I am sure the Red Cross is doing everything they can, and spending appropriate amounts of money at appropriate times. As for earmarking money to be used only in Haiti or Japan or another country, it is really best not to do that. I live in Japan, and I know that the Japan Red Cross is doing excellent work here. But they also do excellent work all around the world, and when this crisis is over, they will have much-depleted coffers that need refilling so they can help people in other countries. So please don’t worry if your money is spent here–if you contribute to the Japan Red Cross, or the American Red Cross, or any legitimate international aid agency, you will be helping people–not just for this disaster or that one, but people in need at all times, everywhere. After all, even when there isn’t a big disaster going on, these wonderful groups are helping people every day.
it is my understanding that it is very big disaster in japan ever befor japaniees people are very strong i knew that that can face this all dificult moments but my good wishes is always with my japanees brother and sister is there i got any chance to help them to do any thing for them i will do from my side if red cross need human help from pakistans i and my all of friends r ready to do some thing for japan my allah help them and gave them more power to defend there famaliys and there life thank