Chairman’s message:

 

On March 11, 2011, Japan, especially the Tohoku Region (northern Honshu), was hit by a devastating 9.0 earthquake, followed by a more devastating tsunami along the eastern coastline.  Many coastal towns and villages were destroyed and many lives were lost and many are still missing.  It has been estimated that the final total for lost lives will be over 20,000 people.  The initial phase began with the rescue of people from the devastated areas.  Many countries sent search and rescue teams to assist in this phase of the operation, including the  Los Angeles County Fire Department Search and Rescue Unit.  Prior to going to Japan, this unit just returned from New Zealand after participating in the search and rescue operation after the earthquake in Christchurch.  The tsunami also damaged the nuclear power plant in Fukushima which created a problem with the leakage of radiation.  The people of the Tohoku Region are facing a difficult situation with the destruction of their homes and businesses, the cold of winter, and particularly the leaking radiation from the nuclear power plant.

 

As with other community organizations, LANSCA has established a Japan Disaster Relief  fund drive.  In addition to our members, a fund drive flyer was sent to all of Los Angeles’ 25 Sister Cities organizations for their participation.  All donations collected will be given the Japanese Consulate Office, who in turn will forward all donations to the Japan Red Cross.  In addition, at the Sister Cities of Los Angeles’ International Spring Festival on April 9, Saturday, 12-5PM, at the Farmer’s Market, they have arranged for the American Red Cross to be there for their Japan Disaster Relief fund drive.  This is a free event and everyone is invited to come down for the international entertainment from various Sister Cities organizations.

 

The Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and the U.S.-Japan Council has formed a coalition of community organizations, including LANSCA, to coordinate all relief efforts to utilize the maximum effectiveness of all organizations’ relief efforts on a short-term and long-term basis since the recovery operations in Japan will be on-going for many years.

 

After the earthquake, the Nagoya Mayor’s office was contacted, and fortunately, we were assured that there were no damages there.  Various fundraising drives were held in Nagoya, including the Mayor’s office, for the earthquake/tsunami disaster relief.

 

We ask everyone for their compassion and generosity for the Japan Disaster Relief fund drive for the recovery from this tragedy.

 

We extend our condolences and sympathies to the victims of the earthquake/tsunami, and continue to pray for the survivors of this tragedy for their recovery.

 

Ernest T. Hida

Chairman