14/03/2011

Emergency Grant for Japan

On 11th March, a massive earthquake struck Japan, triggering a tsunami that swept across the east coast, leaving a trail of destruction. Thousands of people have already died and thousands more are missing or injured. The President of the Grand Charity has approved an emergency grant of £50,000 to the British Red Cross, to assist with its Japan Tsunami Appeal. 

Since the earthquake struck, there have been repeated earthquakes, with magnitudes of 6.6, every 30 to 60 minutes. The tsunami alert is still active. Landslides have been reported in 37 areas. Roads, bridges, railroads, dykes and buildings are damaged in about 460 places and many roads are impassable.

The scale of the disaster is still unfolding, with search and rescue teams frantically working whilst dealing with ongoing earthquakes. The threat of a second major tsunami is high, and there are also fears about the stability of the Fukushima nuclear plant. 

For further information about the Red Cross Appeal:

http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal



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