Japan was hit by one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded on Friday the 11th 2011. The magnitude 8.9 quake spawned a deadly tsunami that slammed into the nation’s east coast, leaving a huge swath of devastation in its wake. Hundreds of people are dead and many more are still missing or injured. The risk of an natural nuclear disaster is imminent and the whole world should stay together and learn from the upcoming days.

Japan has often donated when other countries have experienced humanitarian and natural disasters, such as when Hurricane Katrina impacted the United States and also the Sichuan Earthquake in China. Below are organizations that are working on relief and recovery in the region.

For those living in Tokyo and Japan at large

GIVING BLOOD

While some nationalities may be turned away (there are strict rules concerning the process), it is thought that the need for blood will increase in the coming weeks. Before giving blood, make sure you haven’t eaten fatty food, but make sure you have eaten something.

There are currently 11 places to do this in Tokyo (as of March 12), linked in Japanese on this map. The following ones are open:

(A) Shinjuku Station west entrance blood donation room (03 3348 1211)

(C) Shinjuku east entrance blood donation room (03 5269 1431; near to Isetan)

(D) blood donation room ‘Shibu 2′ (03 3770 0820)

(E) Hachiko-Mae blood donation room (03 3476 2880)

(F) Yurakucho blood donation room (03 3213 8666); (G) Akiba blood donation room (03 5298 2811);

(H) Akiba-F blood donation room (03 3251 8201)

(I) Ikebukuro East blood donation room (03 3988 9000); (J) Blood donation room Buratto (03 5950 3000)

(K) Blood donation room Kichijoji Takion (04 2221 9000)

(M) Machida blood donation room Comfy (04 2732 8494)

Taking physical action

The official advice is not to move from the area you are currently in. Until things are considered more stable, it is suggested that you stay local to your house, so as not to overcrowd transportation and disaster relief routes. Heading to the afflicted area will only crowd the situation, putting more pressure on the limited resources they currently have.

 

DONATE

For the time being, money donations are considered to be the best way you can help.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. 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.

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.

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

SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.

 

At the Yue Foundation, we have chosen International Medical Corps to help us fulfill our hopes and prayers for Japan. Please donate and help Japan recover with the rest of the world´s support.

DONATE TO INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS