By now, we’ve all heard the devastating news.
On Friday, a magnitude 8.9 earthquake rocked Japan in the middle of their work day. The earthquake was so powerful, it created a tsunami which brought up to 9 foot waves directly on to the shore. The massive waves quickly swallowed up boats, cars, homes and anything in its path, causing raging fires and tossing debris across the land as if it were trash. The quake and ensuing tsunami caused thousands of severe injuries, with more than 10,000 people now missing or presumed dead.
Since the original quake, more than a dozen aftershocks of at least 6.1 or more have been felt throughout the region. Many Japanese citizens are without food, fresh water, homes, or shelter. Entire families have been separated and are missing. Some people are wandering aimlessly through the streets with nowhere to go and only the clothes on their back. As of late Sunday night (EDT), officials began warning residents of northeast Japan that a second tsunami with waves up to 10 feet could hit the region yet again. For now, all most could do is attempt to get to higher ground and pray for survival.
NUCLEAR MELTDOWN
On Saturday, Japanese officials announced their worst fear — that the quake damage prevented a nuclear reactor from cooling properly, causing an explosion and prompting officials to use sea water as a last resort to cool the plant. The warning prompted an immediate 20km evacuation of the area, displacing more than 200,000 people. By late Sunday evening (EDT), a second explosion occurred in a different reactor, causing grave concern for the possibility of a nuclear meltdown. Already, 9 workers nearby the plant have tested positive for radiation, and the entire area is currently under a state of emergency.
As one Japanese official put it, this is the worst disaster for Japan since World War II.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As in most natural disasters, people quickly flood the American Red Cross and other agencies with cash, believing they are directly helping those who have just experienced some devastation. Although the Red Cross and others are fine organizations, money sent to them doesn’t always go IMMEDIATELY and DIRECTLY to where you want it to.
As difficult as it is to see the images of devastation in the news, the best advice for anyone really wanting to help is to contact your favorite aid organization and MAKE SURE that any money you donate will go DIRECTLY to the people of Japan. Otherwise, by giving blindly to charities you think might help, those dollars may never make it overseas. Be generous, but be wise in your giving.
Truly, the news get worse by the hour. And in the fast pace, superfical, disposable, and "it's all about me" world we live in today, Real-life tragedies, like this, always brings me back those things which are most improtant and most precious to me. I stay grounded in the knowledge that Everything that I know, AND Love, AND cherish could be GONE in an instant!My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Japan. But I'm also praying for Us (the entre world). Nuclear reactor explosions are NOT only catastrophic news for the people Japan but for ALL of mankind. Those radio-active plumes of smoke and liquid are NOT restricted only to Japanese airspace and bodies of water. All of that lethal element can AND WILL travel…smh.