It was the most powerful earthquake in Japan’s recorded history, triggering a massive tsunami with waves up to 40 meters in height that engulfed entire towns. Over 20,000 people lost their lives and tens of thousands were displaced when their homes were destroyed. The earthquake also damaged nuclear reactors which leaked radio-activity for the months following, requiring 200,000 more people to evacuate.
In the wake of this crisis, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) supporters gave generously. By the end of December 2011, $1,161,888 had been raised for CRWRC’s response. Using these funds, CRWRC partnered with Christian Reformed Japan Mission – the Japan branch of Christian Reformed World Missions(CRWM), the Reformed Church of Japan (RCJ), Japan International Food for the Hungry (JIFH) and Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope Japan (CRASH) to provide immediate food assistance, emergency supplies, and trauma counseling.
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Read stories, facts, and financial figures in the one year update. |
On the afternoon of March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Coast of Japan.
It was the most powerful earthquake in Japan’s recorded history, triggering a massive tsunami with waves up to 40 meters in height that engulfed entire towns. Over 20,000 people lost their lives and tens of thousands were displaced when their homes were destroyed. The earthquake also damaged nuclear reactors which leaked radio-activity for the months following, requiring 200,000 more people to evacuate.
In the wake of this crisis, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) supporters gave generously. By the end of December 2011, $1,161,888 had been raised for CRWRC’s response. Using these funds, CRWRC partnered with Christian Reformed Japan Mission – the Japan branch of Christian Reformed World Missions(CRWM), the Reformed Church of Japan (RCJ), Japan International Food for the Hungry (JIFH) and Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope Japan (CRASH) to provide immediate food assistance, emergency supplies, and trauma counseling.
“When the disaster struck on March 11, it left me broken-hearted and without hope,” said one disaster survivor, “But receiving so much support and assistance from so many people, I have been enabled to rediscover my will to live, and I am so thankful to everyone. The other day, Pastor H. came and delivered the goods I had asked for. I am using these to prepare to face the cold of winter. I thank you for your care to respond to my requests. It is due to all of your kindness that I have been able to realize the value of my life and once more to take care of myself. I will cherish this feeling of gratitude as I resolve anew to live carefully the life that has been spared. Thank you everyone so much!”
Additional stories and facts about CRWRC’s Japan Earthquake Response are available in the One Year Update.
CRWRC will continue its disaster response work in Japan for another two years, working in a close partnership with CRWM staff on the field. Please continue to support this ministry with your prayers as CRWRC helps the people of Japan to rebuild their lives and regain hope!