Natural Disasters: How to help those in Japan and California
On March 11, Japan suffered the most severe natural disaster ever to occur in the land. The 8.9 magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami violently uprooted millions of lives and is expected to claim more than 20,000.
Although the nation of Japan was undoubtedly the most devastated by this catastrophe, tsunami waves continued to swell and traveled across the Pacific Ocean to American soil. Multiple California cities experienced the effects of the aggressive waters, such as Santa Cruz, where 18 harbored boats sank.
The California Geological Survey has put in place a program with the intention of preparing coastal residents for such a disaster.
“Twenty California counties and more than 100 cities could be directly affected by a tsunami,” said CGS geological engineer Rick Wilson, who, according to the State of California Department of Conservation, spearheads the organization’s tsunami program. Ironically, the March 11 tsunami occurred during the state’s Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Week.
The earthquake and resulting tsunami on the other side of the Pacific Ocean disturbed the calm waters of the California coast and cost the state more than $50 million in damage. In the aftermath, the CGS has taken an even more active part in assisting those who experienced the disturbance and preparing those who did not for a future disaster.
“We need people to be aware that if they are on a waterfront…during an earthquake, getting to high ground is imperative, because the next thing they may see is a tsunami,” Wilson said in an article posted by the Department of Conservation.
The fact that the effects of a natural disaster in Asia were felt in California makes the tragedy seem closer to home. Although Indiana residents did not personally experience any disturbances, it is still imperative that we show compassion for our countrymen as well as the people in Japan. Naturally, the consequences of the tsunami are far more severe in Japan than in California, but this unfortunate occurrence is a reminder that we must be willing to help people in need, including those who live continents away. The violent waters shook one of our American states, which is evidence that it is quite possible that terrible catastrophes could occur in the United States as well.
An example of one such disaster was Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005. Many people have completely forgotten about the intense struggles of Louisiana residents whose lives will never be the same.
It’s easy to forget about the hardships that others suffer when our own lives are running smoothly and without interruption. Nevertheless, we must consciously make an effort to keep them in our thoughts, because there is always someone who would greatly benefit from and appreciate our committed effort to simply help them. We cannot aspire only to improve our own lives, but we must also take others into consideration by helping them through their troubles.
There are many ways to assist the victims of this terrible tragedy. According to the Center for International Disaster Information, “Financial contributions provide immediate assistance and allow professional relief organizations to purchase exactly what is most urgently needed by disaster victims.” Donations to aid disaster victims can be made through the American Red Cross by sending a text message saying REDCROSS to 90999.
The university also provided ways to help. The United Methodist Student Association sold hearts in Schwitzer Student Center for $1 in order to raise funds for the United Methodist Committee for relief effort in Japan.
Web services also worked to create a MyUIndy channel with information on how to donate online.
An e-mail from University of Indianapolis President Beverley Pitts to the university students and faculty named a few organizations accepting donations for anyone wishing to make financial contributions online.
