Destructive Aftermath

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Given how devastating the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan was, I found this CNN report on the low amount of personal donations given to Japan so far to be shocking:

Donations have reached nearly $23 million so far, according to an early tally by the American Red Cross and the Chronicle of Philanthropy, a newspaper covering nonprofit organizations.

That number is far below the first four-day totals of other recent natural disasters. More than $150 million was raised toward relief within four days of the crisis in Haiti, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. In the case of Hurricane Katrina, donations exceeded $108 million during the crucial first four days.

The stories coming in in this disaster’s aftermath have been absolutely heartwrenching. Unfortunately with natural disasters like this, people’s memory tends to be short as the world media moves on to other headlines. Please give what you can to any number of aid organizations that are helping with relief efforts – even $5 or $10 donations will help! You should also check out Charity Navigator’s article on organizations best positioned to help with relief efforts in Japan, as well as tips on how to give responsibly.