Response to Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

It's been two months since a deadly earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan. Since then -- alongside our partner, Peace Winds -- Mercy Corps' emergency response team has been delivering food, water and other critical supplies to displaced survivors. Your support has truly made a difference after one of the worst disasters in recent memory.

Here's some of the important work we are and will continue to do in the coming weeks:

• Continuing and expanding our Comfort for Kids program to provide psychosocial support to children
• Delivering household goods and supplies to displaced families who are moving into temporary housing
• Distributing cash vouchers to survivors to help them buy much-needed supplies at local stores, which also helps stimulate struggling local economies
• Supporting hard-hit fisheries and fishing cooperatives to help the region's biggest industry to get going again destroyed local businesses with mobile shops 
• Providing a bus service for survivors in Rikuzentakata to run to nearby Ofunato, where evacuees and other locals can purchase basic goods, and take care of essential needs like doctor or bank visits 
• Boosting the capacity of local Chambers of Commerce to support local businesses

Rebuilding and restoring this part of Japan is an enormous task that will take a very long time -- but we feel proud to be part of a team that is leading that recovery. You're part of that team, too.

Thank you for your help.

Links:

• Mercy Corps Japan
• Mercy Corps Facebook
• Mercy Corps Twitter

I want to personally thank you for supporting Mercy Corps while we respond to the earthquake and disaster in Japan. I’ve returned from the area and can tell you firsthand what a difference your gift is making to the survivors.

During my time in Japan I saw tremendous resilience. But I also saw overwhelming sadness and need. One image still haunts me. Amid a field of rubble as far as the eye could see, I spotted an older man sitting on a log in front of a roaring fire. He was blankly staring into the distance, not moving.

I introduced myself. He pointed sadly to a pile of debris and explained that’s where his house used to be. Now his family is staying with a neighbor. His children are having nightmares and he doesn’t know how to ease their fear.

As I listened to this survivor, I was so grateful that Mercy Corps is there to help him and his family with programs like Comfort for Kids.

Japan's earthquake and tsunami didn't just topple buildings — they shook lives. Japan's children are among those most affected by displacement and disaster.

Today, you can send a caring message to those children and this community, letting them know you support them in their time of need. It only takes a few minutes to write a few words that will mean the world to them.

Mercy Corps is launching our Comfort for Kids program in devastated areas of Japan to help the youngest survivors overcome their trauma. We will train parents, teachers and other caregivers how to guide kids through the healing process. Right now you can be a part of that: please take a moment to reach out and tell a child that you care about them.

I was especially thankful for people like you – oceans away – who have reached into your hearts to help. Together, we’ll help these courageous people through their time of need.

Thanks for all you do to help!

Sincerely,

Joy Portella

Communications Director

To follow Mercy Corps' efforts in Japan, click here.

Links:

• Link to Mercy Corps' Efforts in Japan Updates