Relief efforts
The American Red Cross is taking donations via text message. People can make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999. Their donation will go to support relief efforts for the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Other donations can be done through the nonprofit’s website.
The Salvation Army is also accepting donations through its website, by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY and by text message. To make a $10 donation, text the words “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888. (Please ensure that you respond “YES” to the Thank You message you receive.)
AmeriCares, which provides disaster relief and humanitarian aid, is also accepting donations for the victims.Find out how to donate on the group’s website.
Save the Children has created an emergency fund to help support its responses to children in Japan. Donations are being accepted online.
Globalgiving.org has created the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, which will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to the victims of the earthquake and the tsunami.
International Medical Corps, which provides health care training and relief, is putting together a team and supplies for the victims in Japan. The group is accepting donations online and via text message. To donate $10, text the word “med” to 80888.
Locating quake victims
Google offers People Finder, an online tool to find and share information about people affected by the earthquake.
The U.S. Department of State offers updates via its website and the Embassy Tokyo’s website.
Direct inquires about to a specific U.S. citizen in Japan to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov. Send inquiries about a specific U.S. citizen in the tsunami zone outside Japan to PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov.
Those without e-mail access can call the State Department’s emergency assistance center at 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444.
Families of U.S. Department of Defense personnel should call 1-800-342-9647 to inquire about their loved ones or contact the individual unit command directly for more specific information.
Inquiries about a Japanese citizen should be directed to the nearest Japanese Embassy (Washington – 202-238-6700) or consulate.
Questions about citizens of all other counties should be directed to that country’s Embassy or Consulate. Contact information for foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available in the Country Specific Information links at the U.S. State Department’s website.