Help Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami Relief Efforts

By Michael Lopez

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake that devastated Japan at 3 p.m. Friday — the largest rattler in the country’s history — and the powerful tsunami that followed could result in as many as 1,000 deaths, according to estimates by Japanese media.

There are plenty of ways you can help. The Red Cross has already set up multiple relief stations throughout the country and a toll-free number for inquiries about missing loved ones. To track the whereabouts of friends and family members who may have traveling in the country, call 1-888-407-4747.

Hawaii, Japan’s closest U.S. neighbor, and the West Coast of the U.S. are experiencing tsunami warnings. Hawaii's Red Cross division has been tweeting the latest updates with the hashtag #hitsunami. So far, the island chain was only hit by a 39-inch wave, causing no major destruction.

Mexico and Chile have also been put on alert for tsunami threats. Large waves may hit Peru’s coast by 3 p.m. EST and Ecuador has already evacuated its coastal areas.

“This is a preventative alert," Chilean President Sebastian Pinera told reporters. "If there are any consequences from the earthquake and tsunamis that hit Japan, they would occur in the last hours of the day.”

To learn more about donating to the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts, visit the Red Cross website. Even small $5 and $10 donations can go a very long way.

Do you have any friends or relatives who have been personally impacted by Japan’s earthquake? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Earthquake Relief, Earthquakes, Hawaii, Health, japan, Red Cross