Red Cross responds to massive earthquake in Japan, how to help out

On Friday March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan. This has triggered 4 metre waves in Japan and tsunami warnings across the Pacific coastline, including British Columbia. Hundreds of people are reported dead, and many more are injured or missing. The earthquake has caused fires and severe damage to buildings, leaving 4.4 million households without electricity. Find out how to help after the jump.

The Japanese Red Cross has deployed medical tents and 82 medical teams to the affected area. Volunteers are on the ground providing first aid and search and rescue operations. The Red Cross has started Restoring Family Links activities and emergency relief planning is underway.

The Canadian Red Cross is monitoring the situation closely and has emergency supplies and trained emergency response personnel ready to be deployed.

Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway are encouraged to contribute by:

• Donating online
• Calling 1-800-418-1111
• By texting the word ASIA to 30333 to make a one-time donation of $5*
• By contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.

* A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply to donation texts. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. This service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Canadian Red Cross by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mobilegiving.ca. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 30333.