On 11th March, a massive earthquake struck Japan, triggering a tsunami that swept across the east coast, leaving a trail of destruction. Thousands of people have already died and thousands more are missing or injured. The President of the Grand Charity has approved an emergency grant of £50,000 to the British Red Cross, to assist with its Japan Tsunami Appeal.

Since the earthquake struck, there have been repeated earthquakes, with magnitudes of 6.6, every 30 to 60 minutes. The tsunami alert is still active. Landslides have been reported in 37 areas. Roads, bridges, railroads, dykes and buildings are damaged in about 460 places and many roads are impassable.

The scale of the disaster is still unfolding, with search and rescue teams frantically working whilst dealing with ongoing earthquakes. The threat of a second major tsunami is high, and there are also fears about the stability of the Fukushima nuclear plant.

For further information about the Red Cross Appeal:

http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal

NEWS UPDATE

Attn: Japan earthquake & tsunami disaster relief- Relief Chest open

The Council of the Grand Charity has opened a special Relief Chest which can receive donations from members of the Craft who wish to be part of a coordinated response. If anyone wishes to help assist the people affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Council is happy to receive donations to this Relief Chest for onward transmission at a later date to suitable projects. Read on:

Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster relief

18 March 2011

On Friday 11 March, a massive earthquake struck Japan, triggering a tsunami that destroyed many coastal villages and towns. Thousands of people have died, and many more are missing or injured. Ongoing earthquakes have repeatedly occurred since the initial earthquake, seriously hampering relief efforts. The stability of the Fukushima nuclear plant is also unclear, with major fears of a possible radiation leak spreading across Japan, including into Tokyo which is home to over 30 million people.

Donations can be sent by cheque payable to "The Freemasons' Grand Charity" to:

Relief Chest Scheme, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ

You must state that the payment is in support of the Japan disaster relief work.

Gift Aid donation forms are available here or by contacting the Relief Chest office on 020 7395 9246.

For donations via credit card, please visit the donation page or contact the Relief Chest office. To make a donation via the telephone please phone 0207 395 9349 during the following times: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 16:00 (Fri 14:00 - 15:00).