Japan – how can we help?

The situation in Japan continues to worsen with millions displaced and thousands missing. This morning the Guardian reports “The country faces an increasingly desperate humanitarian crisis caused by the direct effects of Friday’s huge earthquake a resultant tsunami, one made worse by freezing weather. The official death toll has now hit 3,676, with 7,845 people registered as unaccounted for. Survivors, many of them homeless, are struggling with a wave of cold weather forecast to last well into this week, with night time temperatures dipping to -5C in some places.”

How can we help? At the moment the Disasters Emergency Committee is not planning to launch an appeal. Instead they suggest people consider donating to the following groups:

• The British Red Cross is collecting funds to support the Japanese Red Cross which is playing a leading role in the disaster response.
• Save the Children, World Vision and Oxfam are supporting the work of their colleagues in Japan.
• Islamic Relief is assessing the situation and considering its response.