Japan Disaster: How You Can Help Victims of the Earthquake

An 8.9 magnitude earthquake occurred beneath the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan March 11. It resulted in a severe tsunami, fire, and blackouts. Hundreds are dead, with many more still missing or injured.

If you are looking for someone or need help, try the Google Emergency Response Center page, which offers help on finding loved ones. It also provides info on how to find bus, train or plain information, as well as alarm and warning links.

If you're inclined to do something to help, here's how you can help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

For Those In Japan

If you're in Japan, Time Out Tokyo says that you should not move from the area you're in, if you're current safe. However, one of the most needed things will be blood. You can give blood at many different locales throughout the country, which are marked here.

Donating to Relief Efforts Online

Several organizations are set up to accept donations for their work to help the relief efforts in the aftermath of the tsunami and earthquake. Here are some reputable organizations worth your time and money. The links are directly to the relief page on the Websites.

Give2Asia is preparing both short-term and long-term relief recovery efforts.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Japan since 1895. It's mobilizing relief teams to respond to the earthquake.

Save the Children, a strong non-profit, has dispatched a team to help in Japan.

The American Red Cross is organizing ways to help in the wake of the tragedy. It's a humanitarian organization that seeks to give emergency assistance, education, and disaster relief.

Non-Believers Giving Aid is also stepping up and organizing relief for the victims of the quake.

Shelterbox is the relief effort led by Maureen Johnson. Funds donated go to relief efforts.

The Democratic Party of Japan has also set up a fund for the emergency relief effort.

Giving Via Text Message

Text messaging is a quick and easy way to give. (Just make sure that your cell phone provider isn't taking a huge cut of the donation, as many did in the Haiti relief efforts. If they are, it's best to take a few extra minutes and donate via the organization's website.) If you get the go-ahead, here are some ways to give via text.

According to CBS News, The American Red Cross is collecting donations through the text message format. Donors can text "REDCROSS" to 90999. Doing so will donate $10 for relief efforts. The organization is also accepting donations on its website.

If you want to donate $10 quickly and easily to the Salvation Army, you may text "JAPAN" or "QUAKE" to 80888. Also, you can always call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate to the fund.

The International Medical Corps, a mobilizing relief team that's responding to the emergency in Japan with relief workers and supplies, is also accepting donations via text message. Simply text "MED" to 80888 to donate $10 to the group. You can also donate via its website. A representative for the group told Reuters, "We Will be responding to the needs on the ground, which may include sending supplies to local partners and/or deploying emergency response teams."

Buy A Little Something

Yes, seems really strange concept. However, Lady Gaga is selling bracelets to benefit the earthquake relief. They're available from this link to her store. All proceeds go to relief efforts for the Japanese tsunami and earthquake.

A Word of Caution

Make sure the organization that you're supporting is reputable with a history of helping in the area. As CNN reported, fraudulent website are likely to pop up within 24 hours of the disaster that will try to scam people for money. Be sure to give to established organizations only, please. If you suspend any unsolicited requests for relief money to be fraudulent, report it to The National Center for Disaster Fraud and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Don't let a few unsavory characters scare you away, though. Giving to the established organizations on this list can do a world of good.