US Military Sends Relief to Japan

The US Military has dispatched relief supplies and troops to Japan to help in the earthquake relief efforts. In addition to the troops en route to japan, the US maintains several military installations on Japan. From what I’ve read so far, these bases sustained some damage, but were not destroyed.

The earthquake and subsequent tsunamis and aftershocks were scary to watch and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone on the island, and to everyone who knows someone who may be affected by this disaster.

How You Can Help with Japan Earthquake Relief

Japan faces a long recovery. Many experts predict this will be the most expensive natural disaster in history, and there is potential for it to also be the largest man made disaster as well, with the damage to the nuclear reactors in the area.

While it isn’t possible for all of us to go over and lend a helping hand, there are still things we can do from here to help the people of Japan. The most basic, and probably most beneficial thing is to give money. Cash is king in these situations because it is portable and easy for relief agencies to use to meet their most immediate needs. When giving, be sure to give only to reputable and well established companies who already have a presence in Japan.

What not to give: Donating, food, water, clothing, batteries, and other items may not be the best thing to do. Even though these items are in need, they are very expensive to transport and may take too long to reach their destination. It is faster, cheaper, and easier for relief agencies to source what they need closer to Japan.

Here is a list published by CNN Money: How you can help Japan. In addition, you can text the following organizations to send them a donation.

To make a $10 donation now to:

Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund, text REDCROSS to 90999 or go to redcross.org
Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency fund, text JAPAN to 20222 or go to savethechildren.org
GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief fund, text JAPAN to 50555 or go to globalgiving.org
International Medical Corps relief efforts, text MED to 80888 or go to internationalmedicalcorps.org.