On 11 March 2011, a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake occurred near the northeastern coast of Japan, creating extremely destructive tsunami waves which hit Japan and caused extensive and severe damage. The disaster has left thousands of people dead, injured or missing, with millions others affected by lack of electricity, water and transportation in Japan. It is estimated that the damages will be in the US$100 billion range.
While Singapore is safe, our hearts go out to all who are affected in the devastation. The Singapore Civil Defence Force had earlier deployed 5 search specialists and 5 search dogs to assist in the search and rescue operations. Various organisations and individuals have pitched in for the relief efforts. The Singapore government, after consultation with the Japanese Foreign Ministry, and in close collaboration with the Singapore Red Cross Society and Mercy Relief are sending emergency supplies to Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. To date, the Singapore Red Cross Society raised more than $30 million, while Mercy Relief has collected more than $2.5 million.
Image Courtesy of Mercy Relief
Here’s what YOU can do to help.
To donate:
Mercy Relief is accepting donations to procure relief supplies. It has deployed a preliminary disaster response team to Japan to ascertain ground needs and procure relief supplies. The Mercy Relief team will also help distribute supplies with UN agencies. To donate via Mercy Relief, please mail your cheque (payable to Mercy Relief Limited; indicate ‘Japan Quake and Tsunami Relief’ on the back of the cheque) to Mercy Relief, Blk 160 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh #01-1568 Singapore 310160.
- Iwate Kids Benefit From Latest Nutrition Programme & New Friends (20 May 2011)
- Japan's Foreign Minister Thanks Mercy Relief and Its Donors (12 May 2011)
- Singapore Soka Raised Over $710,000 for Tohoku Tsunami Relief (2 May 2011)
- Mercy Relief's Team 6 Established Cold Storage Facility in Iwate (27 April 2011)
- Mercy Relief's Team 5 Shifts Focus From Survival to Wellness Essentials (21 April 2011)
- Mercy Relief Delivers Food Aid to Devastated Village (The Straits Times) (3 April 2011)
- Mercy Relief Team in Miyagi, Street Collection Party (27 Mar 2011)
The Salvation Army in Japan has three emergency service relief teams operating in areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the north-east coast of the country. One of the teams is assisting people who have been evacuated from areas where there is potential danger because of damage to nuclear power generation stations. To donate via Salvation Army, click here.
- Salvation Army in Japan Considers Long-term Response to Earthquake (24 Mar 2011)
As of 13 May, The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has raised a total of S$30 million for the relief efforts in Japan. This amount does not include the S$500,000 pledged by the Government of Singapore. To donate via the SRC, please mail your cheque (payable to Singapore Red Cross; indicate ‘Japan disaster 2011′ on the back of the cheque) to SRC, Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane Singapore 238486.
- Singapore Red Cross raises over S$30 million for japan disaster relief fund (13 May 2011)
- Shop@RedCross Bazaar On 27 March 2011 (14 April 2011)
- Partying With A Heart! (04 April 2011)
- Mobile Operators In Singapore Launch Donation Drive Via SMS To Aid Japan Disaster Survivors (28 March 2011)
World Vision Singapore’s assessment team will be sending baby supplies, warm clothing, food and daily necessities for distribution in Japan. World Vision also plans to establish child-friendly spaces so children affected by the disasters can resume normal childhood activities and experience structure and security. To donate via World Vision, please mail your cheque (payable to World Vision International; indicate ‘Japan disaster 2011′ on the back of the cheque) to World Vision, 750B Chai Chee Road, #03-02, Technopark @ Chai Chee, Singapore 469002.
- World Vision Aid Worker Diary #5 – Chris Webster (29 March 2011)
- Diapers for Kouka (21 March 2011)
To attend:
Dance for Japan is a charity dance concert organised by a group of tertiary students to provide the Singapore public with more channels through which they can contribute to the relief efforts in Japan. Proceeds from this dance event will go towards helping victims of the earthquake in Japan. Log on here for ticketing details.
Sing for Japan
Adrian Pang, Julia Abueva, Rahimah Rahim, Kuo Po, the Kids Performing Show Group, Precious Entertainment Artists and more will sing to raise funds for the Singapore Red Cross for the recent victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Cheque donations will also be accepted at the door. Log on to find out more.
Singapore Rugby clubs join Japan aid effort
The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) Rugby Section and the Singapore Japanese Rugby Football Club (SJRFC) will take the field in a charity rugby match to be held at the SCC Padang on Saturday, April 9th. Kick off is at 5pm.
An estimated crowd of 1,000 is expected and the game will see the attendance of the Japanese Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Yoichi Suzuki. Food and refreshments will be available all afternoon, and access is free to the general public. Log on to find out more.
Bellepoque For Japan
Come share their passion for music and touch the lives of many in Japan in an evening of jazz, opera and classical music at Bellepoque For Japan, co-organised by The Arts House and Belle Epoque. Join more than 10 artistes - Andayoma, Robert Casteels, Francesca Lee, Sabrina Zuber, Brendan-Keefe Au, Shaun Lee and many more as we use music to embrace hope.
Proceeds from this benefit will be donated to Singapore Red Cross “Japan Disaster 2011” relief fund. Log on to find more.
Useful Links:
Related News: