Day 83: Japan: Hardship, help and hope

While the devastating Japan earthquake and tsunami have passed, the recovery and mourning have just begun. The disaster could become the most expensive earthquake in history. The crisis could get even worse, depending on what happens next at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Now, more than ever, the Japanese people need our help and support to get through this crisis.

Up to 100,000 children have been displaced because of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Their homes may have been destroyed and many of them will be sheltering in crowded evacuation centers. One can only imagine how frightening the experience of the last few days will have been for them. There is also a risk that some of them will have become separated from their parents and family members because of the disaster. It is important we provide support to parents and children who are struggling to cope in the aftermath of the disaster.  

Children have talked of their fears of returning home, the fact that they are missing their friends and how desperate they are to go back to school. But, for the meantime, many schools have been turned into temporary shelters for those displaced by the disasters, with children having to sleep in crowded classrooms along with many others.  

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid.  

Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty throughout the world by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. They provide material and financial assistance to grassroots organizations that promote sustainable development, leadership and capacity building, income generating activities, provide education and health services, and advocate on behalf of vulnerable people.  

The Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will prepare to aid Japan as necessary as part of the relief efforts following the earthquake that hit last night.   

Donation: $5  

To support Operation USA, please visit:  http://www.opusa.org/