Record Earthquake Strikes Japan: ADRA Responds
SILVER SPRING, Md. – A powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake shook the island nation of Japan damaging infrastructure and triggering a massive tsunami that swept through Japan’s north-eastern coast, killing hundreds of people according to initial media reports. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding, coordinating efforts and assessing the needs in the worst hit areas in the northern region of Japan.
ADRA has committed an initial response of $25,000 and has sent an assessment team toward the affected area to evaluate and prepare a broader response. ADRA Japan is providing food and shelter for train passengers that are stranded in Tokyo. This is taking place at the Central Tokyo Seventh-day Adventist Church.
At present, 88 people have been confirmed dead and at least 349 people are reported missing. Local police are reporting that an additional 200 to 300 bodies have been found in the northeastern coastal city of Sendai with the casualty toll expected to climb. Initial reports indicate extensive damage to infrastructure, including at least three nuclear reactors.
The record quake, the seventh largest in history and the most powerful to hit Japan in at least 100 years, created a 23-foot (7 meter) tsunami that washed away boats, cars, homes, while starting several large fires burned out of control. In the hours following the earthquake more than 50 aftershocks have been recorded, many of them over magnitude 6.0.
ADRA is currently monitoring and evaluating the situation. Updates will be released as response efforts expand.
