Responding to disasters in Japan
By now you are all aware of the multiple levels of disasters in Japan, and the still being written unfolding tragedy with the damaged nuclear plant.
While Japan is one of the most highly prepared countries in the world, with a well coordinated and developed disaster response system, there are both current and long-term needs to be addressed. The death toll is currently estimated to likely be around 18,000. There are currently nearly 500,000 people living in over 2,000 shelters throughout Northern Japan, and as the disaster at the Fukushima plant unfolds, there will likely be more people displaced and more food and water shortages.
Here are some agencies responding now, as well as links to general advice about giving in situations like this.
This is a terrific article on general dos and dont's of disaster giving. I recommend other articles in Ms Schimmelpfenning's blogs as well.
Numerous portals have put together online listings of organizations collecting for work in Japan
- Just give
- Charity Navigator
- Network for Good
Here are some groups responding in particular areas.
Animal Welfare
- Best Friends
- American Humane Society
Children
- Save the Children (including training providers in dealing with children's reaction to trauma)
- UNICEF
General Relief
- Red Cross. Note that the ARC keeps 9 cents of every dollar donated
- American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
- Mercy Corps - collecting for Japanese partner Peace Winds
- Salvation Army
Medical Care
- Medical Teams International
- International Medical Corps
NOTE: Doctors without Borders has a small team working in one of the hardest hit areas, but is drawing on its own unrestricted funds to support them. They are not at this point accepting donations specifically earmarked for a response in Japan.
Shelter
- ShelterBox
Several groups are starting funds for the longer-term reconstruction in Japan, which the World Bank estimates will take 5 years. Some funds:
- The Boston Foundation, Japan Society of Boston, and Fish Family Foundation have collaborated to create the Japan Disaster Relief Fund
- The Northern Japan Relief Fund at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California
As always, if you are able to give, please consider doing so. I will leave this entry unlocked, if anyone wants to share it.
While Japan is one of the most highly prepared countries in the world, with a well coordinated and developed disaster response system, there are both current and long-term needs to be addressed. The death toll is currently estimated to likely be around 18,000. There are currently nearly 500,000 people living in over 2,000 shelters throughout Northern Japan, and as the disaster at the Fukushima plant unfolds, there will likely be more people displaced and more food and water shortages.
Here are some agencies responding now, as well as links to general advice about giving in situations like this.
This is a terrific article on general dos and dont's of disaster giving. I recommend other articles in Ms Schimmelpfenning's blogs as well.
Numerous portals have put together online listings of organizations collecting for work in Japan
- Just give
- Charity Navigator
- Network for Good
Here are some groups responding in particular areas.
Animal Welfare
- Best Friends
- American Humane Society
Children
- Save the Children (including training providers in dealing with children's reaction to trauma)
- UNICEF
General Relief
- Red Cross. Note that the ARC keeps 9 cents of every dollar donated
- American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
- Mercy Corps - collecting for Japanese partner Peace Winds
- Salvation Army
Medical Care
- Medical Teams International
- International Medical Corps
NOTE: Doctors without Borders has a small team working in one of the hardest hit areas, but is drawing on its own unrestricted funds to support them. They are not at this point accepting donations specifically earmarked for a response in Japan.
Shelter
- ShelterBox
Several groups are starting funds for the longer-term reconstruction in Japan, which the World Bank estimates will take 5 years. Some funds:
- The Boston Foundation, Japan Society of Boston, and Fish Family Foundation have collaborated to create the Japan Disaster Relief Fund
- The Northern Japan Relief Fund at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California
As always, if you are able to give, please consider doing so. I will leave this entry unlocked, if anyone wants to share it.