Japan earthquake tragedy: March 11, 2011

Tragically, Japan was hit Friday by one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded, spawning a tsunami that hit the island’s east coast, killing hundreds of people. Many more are missing or injured, and reports estimate causalities at more than 1,000. The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 8.9 quake was the biggest to hit Japan since record-keeping began in the late 1800s.

The philanthropic community is responding to the tragedy with updated information on the devastation and organizations responding to the immediate needs. Visit the Council on Foundation’s disaster grantmaking website for current information.

Below are organizations mobilizing relief efforts in Japan. If you are a donor of The Community Foundation and would like to make a gift from your fund, please contact your philanthropic advisor, Audrey, Rob, Erin or Barrett, at 404-688-5525.

American Red Cross: Emergency Operation Centers are open in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters.

Americares: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region.

CARE: CARE offices in Asia are on high alert and ready to respond to the tragedy. CARE’s partner organizations are assisted with evacuations in the Philippines and will continue to be ready to assist if necessary evacuations of neighboring nations such asIndonesia or Papua New Guinea

Convoy of Hope: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where the organization may be of the greatest assistance.

Global Giving: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

International Medical Corps: Putting together relief teams as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate activities.

International Rescue Committee: Has put a response team on alert for deployment.

Oxfam America: Poised to respond if disaster strikes vulnerable countries in its path.

Salvation Army USA: The organization this morning tweeted that its Hawaiian branch is ready to assist with damage on the Pacific Coast of the United States.

Save the Children: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter.

World Vision: The charity this morning reported that its offices in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands are on alert to assist in tsunami response. A team is also on standby for possible deployment.