BREAKING NEWS
UNICEF is closely monitoring the situation following a tsunami warning that has been issued for the entire Pacific basin, except for the mainland United States and Canada. Among the countries for which a tsunami warning is in effect are: Russia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.
We are already on the ground and prepared for action in most of these countries, and are on stand-by to react as the situation develops. You can donate now to this emergency appeal at: UNICEF Emergency Appeal donation page.
We will keep you informed as soon as we have more information, and thank you for your continued and generous support.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has set a up a crisis centre to assist relatives and friends concerned about loved ones in Japan. Concerned relatives are asked to call the crisis centre on (01) 418 0233 for more information.
UNICEF in emergencies
UNICEF has always worked in emergencies, both natural and man-made. Originally called the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, the organisation was created to provide humanitarian assistance to children living in a world shattered by the Second World War. Much has changed since then, but UNICEF’s fundamental mission has not. Though emergencies grow increasingly complex, their impacts ever more devastating, UNICEF remains dedicated to providing life-saving assistance to children affected by disasters, and to protecting their rights in any circumstances, no matter how difficult.
Our continuing presence in more than 190 countries means that we are often on the spot long before, and long after, a crisis or unstable situation occurs. Our role in emergencies is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and protect the rights of children. And because we remain when others may leave, we ensure that emergency aid turns into long-term recovery and
SUMMARY
An 8.9 magnitude quake in Japan has sparked fires and a wall of water, prompting warnings to people to move to higher ground in coastal areas.
The biggest earthquake to hit Japan in 140 years struck the northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, cars and farm buildings on fire.
Reports suggest at least twenty six people were killed, four million homes were without power.
The 8.9 magnitude quake caused many injuries, Japan public broadcaster NHK said, sparked fires and the wall of water, prompting warnings to people to move to higher ground in coastal areas.
The Philippines, Taiwan and Indonesia all issued tsunami alerts
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued alerts for countries to the west and across the Pacific as far away as Colombia and Peru.
There were several strong aftershocks. In Tokyo, buildings shook violently. An oil refinery near the city was on fire, with dozens of storage tanks under threat.
TV footage showed the tsunami carrying the debris and fires across a large swathe of coastal farmland near the city of Sendai, which has a population of one million parajumpers jacke doudoune canada goose parajumpers online canada goose .
TV footage showed boats, cars and trucks floating in water after a small tsunami hit the town of Kamaichi in northern Japan.
