Distress in Japan

    It seems to me a cruel and extreme side of Mother Nature where Japan is concerned. Japan just can't seem to catch a break. First the one two punch with the earthquake now re-listed as a 9.0, followed 13 minutes later by the destructive 23 foot tall tsunami. Now I am hearing about a volcano going off? I mean as if the destruction already inflicted was not enough. Now I hear the government there is trying desperately to get a firm grip on the nuclear facilities that seem to be one by one going into meltdown modes (though of all the governments besides our own, the Japanese have a very firm grip with this technology and if anyone could recover from this nuclear situation, it is the Japanese).

    As of today, fears are that the death toll may rise well over 10,000. An untold number of people are now suffering a fourth day without food, water, and electricity. The most severe crisis since WWII is what the Prime Minister of Japan is calling it. This situation just seems to become direr as time moves on from this catastrophic event. One after the other, nuclear reactors seem to be going though partial meltdowns spewing radiation contamination and adding to the already numerous concerns to an already rattled population.

    Already there are numerous heartbreaking stories emerging from a crippled north eastern Japan. Stories like a 60 yr old man who was rescued by the Japanese Navy. He was found clinging to what was left of the roof of a house. Upon being rescued he immediately broke down into tears, his wife has still not been found. Another such story of a mother who lost the grip of her daughter's hand as a flood of water invaded the third floor of her home. Her daughter has not yet been found, though she says she hasn't yet given up hope saying, "I saved myself, but I couldn't save my daughter."

    This disaster has left Japan in ruin and in need of help. If you would like to make a donation, I would personally recommend the following:

The American Red Cross International Relief Fund is stationed in the affected areas. Text REDCROSS to 90999 from your cell phone to donate $10.00 to the Red Cross. Click here to donate.

The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. To contribute, text 'JAPAN' or 'QUAKE' to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Click here to donate.

Global Giving is taking donations that go toward several charities that have sent emergency relief workers to the pacific area. You can go to www.globalgiving.org and click on 'Japan Earthquake' and Tsunami Relief Fund. Choose from an amount of $25, $50 or $75 dollars and click "give now. " Click here to donate.

The International Medical Corps are putting together relief teams that will bring supplies to those most in need. You can text MED to 80888 from any mobile phone to give $10 or go to their website. Click here to donate.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is sending relief to the affected areas. You can go to www.jdc.org and click on "Donate to JDC's Japan/Pacific Emergency Relief Fund." Click here to donate.