Quake-tsunami in Japan

Since yesterday afternoon, the earthquake of 8.9 magnitude & the tsunami caused a serious damage in northeast Japan. Too bad that after a day up to tonight it has been rising the disaster toll up to 1600 dead or missing.

 Source: USGS

After the earthquake yesterday's afternoon, I emailed and got quick reply right some minutes later from my friend living close to Tokyo. Luckily his family are fine following to his email.  Another friend of mine working in Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo and his family are doing fine, too which is good news and make me feel better. I do hope & bless that there would be no more explosion in nuclear reactors there. Such a painful disaster ;-(  and reminded me of the first earthquake I met in Taiwan 4 years ago.

My prayers goes with the safety and family reunion of people in these quake-hit prefectures of Japan. And I bless for my friends' family there. Now we might have to consider of postponing the coming trip to Japan in end of this month ;-(

For more updated news of Japan quake-tsunami disaster, you can check online streaming news in NHK's channel and at its website.  or Japan Times

I donated to Japan Embassy in Hanoi,  which made me feel better to do something help Japan. Everywhere, I guess people want to share "Be strong Japan, we are with you". For donations and help for the victims there, you can donate or contribute to those first below international NGOs in yahoo news with on-going updated list.

• Save The Children: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Call 1800 76 00 11 or visit their website
• Red Cross: Donors can contribute to the relief efforts by calling 800-733-27677 or check at Red Cross homepage. Each text message is a $10 donation to the Red Cross, which will be added to the donors’ next cellphone bill.
• Mercy Corps: Mercy Corp has not sent its own team to Japan but it set up a donation fund for its partner, Peace Winds Japan, and its emergency assistance on the ground. To make a donation, call 888-747-7440 or its homepage
• Medical Teams International: Medical Teams International is also on alert and staying closely in touch with its nine partners along the coast and in Japan. To donate to Medical Teams International, visit their website 
• DFAT: Assistance helpline: +61 2 6261 3305. DFAT hotline for Australians concerned about family and friends: 1300 555 135. Visit at DFAT

So now just some notes of what we should remember & take care ourselves when earthquake happens which I just googled in internet.

Before an Earthquake

• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
• Learn first aid.
• Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
• Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
• Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
• Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
• Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

 During an Earthquake

• Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
• If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
• If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
• Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
• If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
• Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

 After an Earthquake

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
• Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else's phone).
• Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
• Stay out of damaged buildings.
• Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
• Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
• Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
• Stay away from damaged areas.
• If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
• Expect aftershocks.