Before/After satellite images help Japan rescue effort

Japan Earthquake / Tsunamai

Aftershocks continue, Honshoe Island moved 12 feet to the east

3771 Dead,  Number expected to increase to over 10,000, 7,843 missing. 

Nuclear emergency continues unfolding, another reactor fire, Meltdown a possibility 

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 16 March, 2011 : - - Following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last Friday, satellite imagery is providing a clear picture of the extent of devastation. In response to this event, the biggest earthquake in Japan in living memory, the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters' was triggered by the Cabinet Office of Japan the same day the earthquake struck.

As a result, satellite images from several space agencies and operators from around the world are being used to map and assess the stricken areas.

Founded 10 years ago, the International Charter is a unique mechanism to ensure that timely satellite images are made freely available to authorities and aid workers coping with the aftermath of a disaster. By combining Earth observation data from different space agencies, the Charter allows resources and expertise from around the world to be coordinated for rapid response to major disasters. 
 
Demonstrating the incredible power that Earth can unleash, the devastation caused by the 8.9-magnitude quake has left the world stunned. Japan's northwestern coastline is thought to have shifted by as much as 4 m to the east and whole towns have been washed away by the tsunami, completely changing the landscape.

Satellite maps are providing essential information for search and rescue teams on the ground and for damage assessment. Before-and-after images show how the land has changed and where buildings and roads once stood. Over 63 satellite acquisitions were made in the first 48 hours following the event.

Source ESA

This map shows a comparison of RapidEye pre-disaster data acquired on 5 September 2010 and post-disaster data acquired
on 12 March 2011. The images focus on the city of Soma and the surrounding region badly affected by the tsunami
© RapidEye AG, DLR, Google Earth. Map produced by ZKI  

Nuclear Crisis
As Japan is struggling to contain a spiraling nuclear crisis, another fire broke struck on early Wednesday at the building housing of the No.4 reactor of the Fukushima Daiichi plant, 240 km (150 miles) north of Tokyo raising fears of more radiation contamination.

Death Toll
Friday's catastrophic quake and ensuing tsunami have left 3,771 people dead and 7,843 others unaccounted for in Japan by 2:00 p.m (0500 GMT) Wednesday.

Finiance & Econmy
The Bank of Japan pledged an additional 13.8 trillion yen (170 billion U.S. dollars) to ensure the nation's banking system stays liquid. Wednesday's offer, which included the immediate injection of 5 trillion yen (61.9 billion U.S. dollars) in emergency funds into markets, brings the total amount of emergency funds made available by the Bank of Japan to 55.6 trillion yen (688.4 billion U.S. dollars).    

Videos: Tsunami  Approaching  |  Flooding  |  Escaping  |  No Airport  |  Car Smash  |  Rescue  |  Jet Aircraft

Damage as viewed 15 March 2011

Locals pass through tsunami and earthquake rubble in Ishinomaki in Miyagi prefecture © Kim Jae-Hwan

A boat lies in a street after being washed inshore by the tsunami in Hishonomaki, Miyagi prefecture © Philippe Loez/AFP

A river of debris between destroyed houses in Kesennuma City on March 15, 2011, days after the area was devastated
by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami © Adrees Leak/Reuters

How to Help

Below are organizations that are working on relief and recovery in Japan.

AMERICAN RED CROSS:
Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here

GLOBALGIVING:
Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate here

SAVE THE CHILDREN:
Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here.

SALVATION ARMY:
The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here

AMERICARES:
Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here

CONVOY OF HOPE:
Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS:
Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here

SHELTER BOX:
The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here

To find out if you are in a tsunami evactuation zone visit:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ 
http://www.scd.hawaii.gov 

More informatilion available here 

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Compiled by SV Editors 
Sources - AFP/Reuters/AP

Environment - Surfersvillage