The Situation in Japan

Last Friday, northern Japan was hit by a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake, from which it will be recovering for years to come. This quake was ranked as the fourth strongest in the world, and devastated the entire country. Nearly 2,500 people are dead and over 3,000 are missing as a result of the catastrophe. An estimated 2.5 million homes are left without electricity. Minimum estimate of losses of the quake, tsunami and fires total $100 billion, including $20 billion in damage to residences and $40 billion in damage to infrastructure such as roads, rail and port facilities. As a result of the earthquake, Japan's Nikkei 225 index plummeted 634 points Monday, the first full day of trading since the tragedy occurred. The threat of nuclear meltdown also looms; 3 of Japan's 54 nuclear reactors were critically affected by the quake, and the likelihood of a radiation leak caused a massive evacuation of the areas surrounding the plants.
On a happier note, 91 countries and regions have offered post-quake assistance to Japan as of Monday, in addition to six international organizations, according to the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry. $23 million has been donated to help fund the relief effort so far.
What can you do to help? You can donate through globalgiving.org, or text JAPAN to 50555 to have $10 automatically added to your phone bill and sent directly to the relief fund.