Emergency Alert - Updated December 13, 2011

BACKGROUND:

On March 11, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan, near the town of Sendai, triggering a massive tsunami that devastated coastal communities.

According to official reports, more than 15,300 people have died, and nearly 9,000 remain missing. The earthquake and tsunami jointly may rank among the costliest natural disasters in history, with some damage estimates reaching $300 billion USD.

Currently, approximately 120,000 people are still living in evacuation sites and are in critical need of assistance. While many communities are attempting to reopen schools and resume daily life, the magnitude of loss and destruction has taken its toll, both psychologically and in terms of population. In some schools, most of the students and teachers died as a result of the tsunami.

The quake also caused severe damage to Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, causing serious concern over radiation and other issues. The government recently elevated the severity of the crisis to Level 7, putting it at the same severity as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. Also adding stress to the situation are powerful and frequent aftershocks that have caused further damage to homes and infrastructure.

Coastal businesses, especially fisheries, have been devastated by the disaster. Many fisherfolk cannot return to their waters and fear that radiation concerns will prevent them from recovering their livelihoods.

LWR IS HELPING

LWR is working through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod and Church World Service to swiftly and effectively respond.

At this time, Japan's strict and complex import regulations preclude LWR's Quilts and Kits.

Although we cannot provide Quilts and Kits in Japan, your Quilts and Kits are still greatly needed! There are several other countries waiting for shipments from Lutheran World Relief. We are expecting a 15-percent increase in requests this year.

Thanks to your generosity, LWR is no longer accepting additional donations for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Please consider making an unrestricted gift to help ensure that LWR is prepared to respond to needs all over the world.

Please give online or send a check or money order to:

Lutheran World Relief
P.O. Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21297-1061
USA