Blogamole › Red Cross

By Michael Lopez

It still seems inconceivable that a 8.9 earthquake rocked the shores of Japan last week. One of the largest rattlers ever recorded, its death toll could now reach as high as 10,000. Interestingly, other parts of the world have also felt the impact (though nowhere near as drastic), particularly Latin America.

Still traumatized by its 8.8 earthquake last February, Chile evacuated all of its low-lying coastal areas after hearing word of potential tsunami warnings. Waves as high as 6 feet crashed into its cities’ streets, forcing schools and businesses to close temporarily.

In Mexico, cargo ships and cruise liners were delayed entrance into ports like Manzanillo due to increased tsunami threats. Sections of Acapulco were also cordoned off, forcing massive Spring Break evacuations.

Ecuador and its coastal neighbor, the Galapagos Islands, forced over 242,000 people to flee from its shores. President Rafael Correa went so far as to declare a state of emergency, but thankfully the damage was minimal. Only the Galapagos San Cristobal and Santz Cruz islands experienced any flooding.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Japan’s Natori City. Located near the epicenter of Friday’s quake, the village of 74,000 was virtually wiped off the map by an enormous tsunami. Homes were ripped out of their foundations, cars were buried under gallons of water, and hundreds of citizens still remain missing.

Continued aftereffects of the damage include radiation emissions from ruptured nuclear plants, economic devastation, and massive sinkholes throughout major cities. Though financial aid for Japan has continued to pour in (over $23 million has been raised so far), it’s only a fraction of the costs necessary to restore the country.

If you haven’t already, we highly recommend visiting the Red Cross website to learn more about how can you contribute.

Have you donated towards Japan’s recovery yet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Earthquakes, Health, japan, Latin America, Red Cross

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