On March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Japan. It was the biggest quake to hit the country since record-keeping began in the late 1800s and one of the largest ever recorded in the world. The earthquake struck at a depth of six miles, about 80 miles off the eastern coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The area is 240 miles northeast of Tokyo. In the days since the initial quake, there have been numerous, powerful aftershocks. Ripples from the initial quake produced a tsunami that washed across parts of Japan and affected other countries of the Pacific Rim, even reaching the west coast of the United States. Additionally, failures to critical safety mechanisms in several Japanese nuclear plants are causing additional concerns about nuclear meltdown and potential release of radioactive materials

Numerous charitable organizations are working to provide aid to individuals and families affected by this devastating natural disaster. As a service to those in our community who would like to help, we are providing links to some of the charitable organizations that are working to provide relief. You may want to visit their Web sites to learn more about their efforts. We will be updating this page as more information becomes available.

The following organizations are already providing disaster relief to Japan or are poised to do so quickly when called upon. Click on the organization’s name for more details on their efforts. Please note some of these Web sites are experiencing heavy traffic and may be temporarily unavailable.

There are many good, legitimate organizations beyond those listed below. We are also aware of other charities soliciting on the internet, claiming to do disaster relief work. We strongly recommend that you research any organizations unknown to you before making a contribution. Charity Navigator is offering a list of organizations providing relief in the stricken areas in Japan, which you can find to by Click Here

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee: Click Here

AmeriCares: Click Here

Doctors Without Borders Doctors Without Borders: Click Here

Mercy Corps: Click Here

Relief International: Click Here

Save the Children: Click Here

The Salvation Army: Click Here

UNICEF: Click Here

World Vision: Click Here

Twitter
List: @COF_/reliefagencies
Hashtag: #helpJapan
Hashtag: #tsunamicharity

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan at 313.961.6675.