As of this posting, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan has caused two nuclear reactors to melt down, in the town of Minamisanrikucho, 10,000 people - nearly two-thirds of the population - have not been heard from since the tsunami wiped it out, and there is an estimated death toll of over 200,000 in the entire country. The effects of the radiation will not be known for some time, and while aftershocks continue to shake the nation (over 150 at this time) damage continues. The Prime Minister is calling this Japan's biggest crisis since WWII.
I first saw this video on Twitter, it was posted by Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster - she keeps an outstanding Twitter feed). I'm sure that many of you have probalby seen it, but for those of you that haven't, this is a first person account of the tsunami as it happened. It is shattering.
Needless to say, there are countless relief efforts on the way to aid the people of Japan in this tragedy. I will be including links to them in my sidebar (the links do not benefit me in any way). Please give what you can.
We sponsor a child through World Vision. They are a Christian humanitarian aid organization who uses all profits for relief work.
Save The Children is currently using donations from it's Emergency Relief Fund for Japanese aid.
To contribute to the Salvation Army, text 'JAPAN' or 'QUAKE' to 80888 (that's a zero, not an 'O') to make a $10 donation of visit their Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief page.
Doctors Without Borders will be sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. Donate here.
As always, Etsyians are contributing to the cause. A huge number of items are on sale with proceeds going toward the Japanese Relief Effort. Here is a sampling:
The Great Wave, $10.00, all proceeds go to World Vision
FOR JAPAN - Japanese Flag Hemp Bracelet, $4.95, 50% of proceeds go to the American Red Cross
Japan Earthquake Relief Red Hobo, $38.50, 50% of sales go to the Japanese Red Cross
Regardless of how you feel about her, you've got to admire Lady Gaga for designing a "We Pray For Japan" wristband. With her fiercely devoted followers and the PrayForJapan Twitter feed, this should raise significant funds. Bracelets can be pre-ordered for $5.00 and all proceeds will go to relief efforts.
