"The massive 9.0 earthquake nine days ago, and the subsequent tsunami, has left nearly 8,500 people dead, some 13,000 missing, and nearly a half million homeless. It leaves Japan teetering on the edge of a nuclear crisis that has already resulted measurable amounts of radioactivity turning up in milk, drinking water and some crops." Scott Pelley reports from the disaster zones along the eastern coast of Japan from Tokyo to the radiation zones surrounding the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant and further north to the resort area of Matsushima.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/20/60minutes/main20045131.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
Since the earthquake and tsunami there have been over 300 aftershocks, some registering as major earthquakes (as high as "6".) In the mountain village of Sumita, one hundred miles north of the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant, my sister reports 25-30 aftershocks daily. Imagine the earth trembling under your feet that often! The map below may help put the 'aftershocks' into perspective.
While the eyes of the media have been glued to larger cities and developments surrounding the nuclear power plants, disaster areas along the coast in the earthquake/tsunami regions are still crying for help and have not received as much attention. Food, water, blankets and shelter remain in short supply. The need for aid along the coast and into the mountains is beyond imagination. Please consider donating generously to a reputable organization. The two organizations that follow have teams already in place and serving in Japan.
1- The American National Red Cross. You can do this through itunes, or via text message to 90999 with "red cross" in the message will donate $10. Or, larger donations can be made to: American National Red Cross