
Japan Earthquake 2011
Latest News
The Salvation Army's earthquake response in Japan is continuing its work despite difficulties caused by snow and the lack of fuel. A team that was set to head from Tokyo to the tsunami-hit north of the country had to delay its journey because of snow but has now made its way to Sendai, where a distribution will take place tomorrow morning (Saturday).
The three teams that carried out distributions in Sendai, Koriyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima and Mito City on Wednesday 16 March returned to The Salvation Army's Japan Territorial Headquarters in Tokyo to report on what they had seen and decide what should be done next. International Emergency Services worker Major Raelton Gibbs reports: 'The work that has been done is commendable – from feeding programs out of Salvation Army halls to the distribution of blankets, water bottles, bread and nappies (diapers).'
He says that Tokyo continues to feel aftershocks and admits that 'no matter how many you experience they are all a little daunting'
. The Salvation Army distribution teams are well aware of the concerns surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station and are staying clear of the exclusion zones.
Major Gibbs says he has been impressed by the response put together by The Salvation Army's Japan Territory. The fuel and weather problems mean that people have had to be flexible. He tells of one group that tried to get to Sendai but was unable to make it all the way and so met the needs of some smaller communities around Koriyama on the way back to Tokyo.
The focus is understandably on the immediate response but Major Gibbs says that longer-term plans are being put in place, such as the provision of cooking equipment when people return to their communities. As it often does in emergency responses, The Salvation Army will pay particular attention to communities that have been missed by the government and other agencies.
News from our National Blog
The following news is syndicated from our National Blog (http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org). Click on a story below to read it in its entirety.
“Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.”- Lady Bird Johnson You probably remember that rush of excitement you felt as a kid when that last bell would ring, marking the official start to summer vacation! Was there anything more glorious outside of Christmas? For those of you who were lucky [...] Firefighters and residents of Colorado Springs welcomed rain on Sunday that assisted with efforts to combat the area’s Black Forest Fire which has been blazing since June 11. The fire, which has destroyed 14,280 acres and 484 homes, was reported as 65% contained on Sunday. Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) crews remain on site [...] David Bakke is an author and personal finance enthusiast residing in Atlanta. He shares his best tips for money management and giving back to the community on the blog, Money Crashers. As of 2011, there were well over one million tax exempt charitable organizations operating in the U.S. The prospect of combing through that [...]Attention All Campers!
published: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:03:26 +0000
Salvation Army Continues Black Forest Fire Relief Efforts
published: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:19:45 +0000
How to Choose the Right Organization for Your Charitable Donation
published: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:42:55 +0000
Other Resources
Interesteing infographic from the NYTimes.com website explaining what is happening with the nuclear reactors in Japan.
Click here to launch the NYTimes.com website
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What We're Doing:
- Three teams in place with government recognition and access to otherwise restricted areas
- Disaster team in Sendai provided over 1,000 meals, hot drinks, and other supplies
- Disaster team in Mito provided bottles of water, biscuits, blankets, diapers, and tissue boxes
- Team headed to assist evacuees near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Travel is difficult due to snow and fuel shortages.
History
The Salvation Army has been at work in Japan since 1895. Read more about The Salvation Army in Japan here.
More Information
Check our national disaster services website at: disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

