Japan earthquake and tsunami

Houses are swept by water following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan [REUTERS/KYODO courtesy of alertnet.org]

As Japan responds to the devastating earthquake and tsunami, we are keeping those affected in our thoughts and prayers.

Prayer for the people of Japan>>

A massive tsunami hit north-east Japan after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck the country on Friday 11 March. More than 2,400 people have been confirmed dead so far and many thousands more are missing following the disaster.

The earthquake was the strongest in Japan’s history. But it was the 30-foot-high tsunami that caused much of the devastation as it swept through cities, towns and villages. The impact on those affected has been appalling, and we are keeping the Japanese people in our thoughts and prayers.

The response in Japan

The response to the disaster is being led by the Japanese government, which is amongst the best prepared in the world for such emergencies. They are being supported by national organisations that have the resources and the know-how to deliver aid. Japan has not requested international humanitarian assistance.

Our own expertise is primarily in responding to disasters in poorer developing countries, where the kind of help required is quite different from what is needed in Japan. In poorer countries, people are often at risk even before a disaster – and when emergencies occur, governments often don’t have the money or the ability to deal with them effectively.

We were initially concerned that a potentially devastating tsunami could hit other countries in the Pacific region. While that doesn’t appear to have happened, the wider effects of the disaster may not become clear for some time. With aftershocks continuing on the Pacific basin and a possible nuclear crisis developing, we are assessing the impact on poorer communities in the region, as well as on Japan.

A continuing crisis

The crisis in Japan is far from over, and, as with all major disasters, we will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks. In the meantime, we ask all our supporters to keep the Japanese people in their prayers. Bishop Isao Kikuchi from our sister agency Caritas Japan said: “We have received so many emails from all continents, filled with words of compassion and prayer. We are very grateful for this solidarity.”

Prayer for the people of Japan>>

Find out more about earthquakes with our Q&A>>

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