Just a month after marking five-year anniversary of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 15,000 people, Japan finds itself shaken by another series of deadly quakes, and a Georgia organization is once again aiming to help.
The April 14 tremors started with a 6.5 earthquake and then an even more powerful 7.3 quake two days later. This time the epicenter was in the Kumamoto area, near the center of the southern island of Kyushu. So far, 44 people are dead and 3,000 injured, with many buildings collapsing and catching fire. Due to concerns about unstable buildings and damaged infrastructure, more than 44,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Some of the displaced have taken refuge in a local prison.
The Japan-America Society of Georgia is asking its members and the Atlanta community to contribute to the relief efforts, much as it did during the Tohoku disaster of March 2011.
“We ask that, in the spirit of peace, joy and charity, you please join us in making a contribution to help support the people in Kumamoto who need our assistance during this difficult time. No contribution is too small,” the organization’s staff wrote in an email to members and supporters.
The JASG recommended donating through the following organizations:
o Direct Contributions to Kumamoto Prefecture Relief/Rebuilding Efforts
o Nippon Foundation (information in Japanese)
o Japan Society New York (option to donate to Kumamoto or Tohoku)
o Yahoo Japan (English information at bottom)
The earthquake was not far from Fukuoka, Atlanta’s sister city, which is located at the northern edge of Kyushu.
