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As the extent of the damage from Friday's 8.9 scale earthquake has become clear, and following the third explosion in a damaged nuclear reactor, the President of World Vision International, Kevin Jenkins, has declared a Partnership-wide response.
On Friday March 11 Japan's east coast was struck by an earthquake, followed by a tsunami that in places reached 20 meters high and struck kilometres inland
"We are particularly concerned about the situation of the children. The images coming out of Japan are shocking and our staff confirm that many families have lost everything," Mr. Jenkins said. "The World Vision partnership will stand by Japan in its hour of need."
Mr. Jenkins confirmed a USD 10 million appeal across the Partnership to finance a massive relief response, details of which are being worked out by staff now on the ground.
A World Vision assessment team reached Sendai within 48 hours to explore how the organisation's relief expertise can support the government-led response. Priority needs include non-food relief items, supplies for babies and small children, support for women, and interventions for children who are separated from their parents, including their safety.
Reports indicate that millions of people were affected directly and indirectly. The confirmed death toll has climbed to 1,800 people, but more than 15,000 are still missing, with 24,000 awaiting rescue. A total of 63,000 homes were damaged, many completely destroyed as entire coastal villages were washed away.
A third explosion occurred at the Fukushima nuclear power station on Tuesday, raising the prospect of a possible nuclear meltdown. The threat of the spread of radiation is causing great concern, while the government has set up a 20 kilometre exclusion zone around the power plants.
Public buildings, such as local government offices and schools are being used as evacuation centres. Schools in the area are closed and air flights and train transportations have been disrupted. Many evacuation sites do not have enough food for the populations using them and there are not enough blankets to cope with the winter season.
World Vision has planned an initial response to meet people's most urgent needs, World Vision Japan National Director, Nobuhiko Katayama, said. His office plans to engage the organisation's global relief expertise for the good of the people in the affected region.
"My staff and I convey our deepest condolences to those who are affected and people who have lost their loved ones," said Mr. Katayama. "We ask the world to continue to pray and support us."
