Community Corner
UPDATE: 8.9 Earthquake, Tsunami Devastate Japan: How to Help from Here
Local residents are starting to look for ways they can help relieve the suffering of those affected by the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. Here at Patch we'll do our best to keep you updated.
It's hard to watch the devastation in Japan without wanting to help. Donations to major international aid groups are one way. Save the Children is one group leading the response to the disaster.
Click on this link to see a list of other international aid groups likely to respond.
The Japan America Society of Southern California has taken the lead in local response to the Japanese quake and has set up a 2011 Earthquake Relief Fund.
Find out what's happening in Echo Park-Silver Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Kay Amano, Program Director at the Society, said the nonprofit plans to give monies raised to the Red Cross or another group that can ensure the funds go "directly to help the victims."
You can find out more about the fund by calling 213-627-6215 x-202.
Find out what's happening in Echo Park-Silver Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Society's website also has an excellent collection of weblinks about the disaster and related response.
As of Saturday, Rhonda Reynolds, co-owner of , said she knews of no benefits being planned by restauranteurs in Echo Park. But given the area's response to the Haiti and Chile quakes last year, that could change.
Google has also created a person finder that people can use to help find the missing.
Hundreds are dead and many parts of northeast Japan are flooded after an earthquake, three aftershocks and a tsunami rocked the region late Thursday our time.
The Southern California coast waited out a related tsunami advisory Friday morning, with the first waves expected to hit the San Pedro and Santa Monica shorelines just after 8:30 a.m.
Experts were predicting currents hazardous to swimmers, boats and buildings that could last several hours. Coastal residents were advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
Many locals are already getting involved in relief efforts. According to CBS news, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is sending a 74-member urban search and rescue team to the area to aid in rescue efforts.
What do you plan to do? What are groups you work with in the Echo Park community going to do?
Tell us and we'll post as list that others can use too.
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