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On March 11, Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake, which triggered a tsunami that measured as high as 10 meters in some places. Thousands are confirmed dead, with many more still missing. Recovery efforts are underway, but aftershocks continue, and supplies of food, water and gasoline are scarce in some regions. Because of the quake and tsunami, Japan is also dealing with a damaged nuclear power complex in Fukushima. Radiation levels have been rising around the plant, and several explosions have occurred. Latest from the VOA Breaking News Blog |
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How You Can HelpMany aid agencies are taking donations for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan. Here are some ways to help. |
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Aid Agencies Taking Donations |
Other Ways to Help
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Social Media: Personal stories from the earthquake
"I was speechless when I first saw the sight from Kumano Shrine. My eyes filled with tears and dry laughter erupted from within me. It was that terrible. However, the people that managed to evacuate were worried about their relatives and friends outside of town."
- A personal account of evacuating Onagawa, as translated by Global Voices
The earth moves during the quake
Sendai port, shared by @wanchan11
"But every time the house shakes, I have to make a quick decision: Is this one worth waking them up so we can stand in the cold outside? No, not this time, seems to be weakening. Twenty minutes later. Another aftershock, worse than before. Now do I wake them? No, not this time. I look over every now and then and see that my wife isn't sleeping."
- A blogger in Abiko recounts aftershock experiences
A Tumblr blog encourages people to save energy in the days after the earthquake
The tsunami hits Sendai airport
"As I made my way over I noticed that the huge, floor to ceiling windows in our office were flexing in and out and looked like they could explode at any moment."
- Account from a British designer in Tokyo
@AkikoFujita shares photos of people getting tested for radiation at a Fukushima evacuation center. "Residents all on edge," she says.
A kitchen in Tokyo, shared by @yazanbadran
"What I want to communicate, is the miraculous behavior of the people of this country. I didn’t encounter a single “angry”, “shouting” or “complaining” person in the 24 hours."
- A personal account from Ibaraki Prefecture, translated by Global Voices
Ichinomaki Red Cross hospital, shared by @SayaJRCS
"Shelves in convenience stores and places like Don Quixote (sort of like Wal-mart) are emptying of perishables such as bread. Even smaller stores are getting raided (and by raided, I mean "politely queued up to"). My local butcher is quickly running low. I got the last pack of tea candles at Tokyu Grocery, which is rationing all drinks to 3 PET bottles per customer."
- Account from Tokyo by David Morris
#prayforjapan tweets from around the world are translated into Japanese
Photo shared by @suzunet
"We are both aware and in despair – and they are mutually reinforcing. Switching off the TV and phone, trying to enjoy a movie as we did this evening is impossible when each and every jolt sends you back for information. There is no escaping this reality – and that keeps the lost, dead and ruined in our minds, for better or for worse."
- Account by James Simpson in Kawasaki
