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On March 11, 2011 at 14:46 local time, Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, with a magnitude Richter scale of 9.0, the largest scale on its record. It is the 4th largest-scale earthquake in the world since the 20th century.
The earthquake struck heavily off Japan's northeastern coast and was followed by a 7-metre high tsunami. Japanese government issued its most serious tsunami warning for almost all coastline areas in the country. Coastal areas have been majorly affected with some small communities being destroyed completely.
“We are now facing the most tragic disaster in our country’s history,” said Kenjiro Ban, World Vision Japan’s Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Manager.
In Tokyo, at least 5 million buildings ran out of water or power, and infrastructure was heavily destroyed. In the immediate wake of the quake and the tsunami, all major transportation means such as trains and highways were halted in various cities.
It is reported that the number of casualties just in the Miyagi prefecture alone stands at 10,000 people. The current death toll is no less than a thousand with countless missing and more than 7 million homes affected.
We appeal for you to help affected children and families at this crucial hour.
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