The massive earthquake in Japan on March 11, the seventh largest ever recorded at 9 on the Richter scale, triggered a tsunami with 20ft high waves, leaving a trail of destruction with thousands dead and many more missing and many injured.
The earthquake triggered fires and caused severe damage to buildings, leaving more than five million homes without electricity and a million without water.
The Japanese Red Cross has been working on the ground since the disaster, mobilising 86 teams of 600 doctors, nurses and support staff, to provide first aid, healthcare and assess the damage and needs of the communities affected.
More than 300,000 people who were evacuated before the tsunami struck have been housed in temporary centres set up in schools and public buildings where the Red Cross is distributing thousands of blankets.
We are asking for donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal to help those affected.
Mark Astarita
Fundraising Director
British Red Cross
44 Moorfields
City EC2Y 9AL
Donations by phone: 08450-535353,
Donations by fax: 020-7562 2000
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