Japan earthquake and tsunami

Houses swept out to sea burn following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. The biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago struck the northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, ships, cars and farm buildings on fire. Credits: YOMIURI/REUTERS/Alertnet.org

Houses swept out to sea burn following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. The biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago struck the northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, ships, cars and farm buildings on fire.
Credits: YOMIURI/REUTERS/Alertnet.org

An earthquake, a tsunami and now a nuclear meltdown. The people of Japan are facing their most difficult moment in recent history.

A 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on 11th March 2011. The resulting tsunami was powerful enough to sweep away buildings, cars and infrastructure in coastal communities. It was also powerful enough to destabilise a number of nuclear power plants and leave the surrounding communities in danger.

Caritas has been giving out blankets and supporting parishes in providing food. It is providing counsellors to help people cope with the trauma in the long-term and is also making plans for reconstruction.

“The Japanese people keep offering each other encouragement at this difficult time. Everyone keeps saying to each other “Ganbaro!” Which would mean in English “Keep your spirits up!,” says Fr Daisuke Narui, Executive Director of Caritas Japan.

Over 5,600 people had been confirmed dead a week after the disaster. Many more were living in temporary shelters and relying on aid and communities were facing possible nuclear disaster.

Press release

14/03/2011 – Japan faces devastation after earthquake and tsunami 

From Caritas Blog:
Read all blog posts from Japan

Photos:
View photos on Caritas Flickr account

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