The earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear crisis in Japan that occurred on March 11, 2011, are some of the most devastating catastrophes to hit Japan or any other major developed country since the World War II era.
Here are some of the facts emerging from the Isle of Japan in the last 30 days as posted by Reuters news group:
12554 people have died because of this disaster.
15077 people are still unaccounted for.
163,000 people are living in shelters because their homes were wiped out by the earthquake or the tsunami.
162481 Japanese households are without electricity.
17,800 homes are without water.
It is estimated that this disaster may cost the Japanese people between $200 and $300 billion dollars.
The island population is only 127 million people.
Some of the human facts are that children are combing rubble in these leveled towns and cities looking for parents, while some parents are still searching for missing children.
The criminal element is trying to benefit from the misfortune of the Japanese people. Scammers are moving in to exploit the helpless and homeless, and lootings are common.
The devastation will possible take decades to recover from. The Japanese economy is such that the rebuilding may end up being done internally without having to rely on the international community to foot the bill.
How to help:
Text 90999 to REDCROSS to give a $10 donation to their charity to help Japan.
Text 20222 to 4JAPAN to donate $10 to World Vision to help Japan.
Text 80888 to JAPAN or QUAKE to give a $10 donation to the Salvation Army to help Japan.
Text 20222 to JAPAN to give the the Children's Emergency Children's Fund in the amount of $!0.
We should continue to support this relief effort even when Japan isn't in the headlines anymore.
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