A week ago, our Japanese friends suffered a massive catastrophe in the form of a 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.  The disaster killed many people and completely destroyed several towns.  It also caused a nuclear emergency at several power plants near the area, which is still ongoing at this time.  Their careful preparation could not withstand the onslaught.

People who survived the initial disaster are displaced.  Humanitarian organizations, the US Navy and Japan’s own forces have been helping as much as they can.  The heart of the entire world goes out to the Japanese people and everyone wants to help in some way.

This page contains links to organizations helping in Japan.

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/11/6246445-japans-earthquake-how-to-help

Before you give to any charity you might wish to check it out.  Legitimate organizations will make their financials available so you can see where your money is going.  The links on the page will take you to their websites where you can make a donation.

Recovery from this disaster will take a long time.   We have earthquakes in America; we’ve had disasters that were just as bad.  Let’s keep Japan in our thoughts and prayers.

Large earthquakes are no fun, I’m sure.  And tsunamis freak me out.  Here is a sound recording of the quake taken by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).  There is also a video of the tsunami that shows why they’re so damn scary!