As the aftermath of Japan's earthquake and tsunami continues to unfold, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is assessing how it will best provide relief. News reports indicate that the death toll from the earthquake and tsunami is nearing 3,000 and will likely continue to rise. View full story
Extract from Church Welfare Services' World Disaster Report (14-Mar-11)
Thousands of survivors in Japan are displaced from their homes and experiencing shortages of water and basic supplies - more from the impact of the tsunami than the earthquake. Thousands of evacuation centres are open with more occupants arriving due to the malfunction of two nuclear reactors, creating a national state of emergency. While access into the Sendai area is very limited, the Church has been able to provide the following update on members of the Church and Church properties.
• All missionaries in Japan are accounted for and are in safe locations.
• All missionaries have been moved at least 60 km from damaged nuclear plants.
• All Church employees in Japan are safe and accounted for.
• Approximately 95% of members have been contacted. Initial reports indicate there are no injuries or confirmed deaths of Church members; however, there is still limited information on the status of members from the most devastated areas.
• Local Church leaders and Area leaders are working tirelessly to contact and assist all members in the affected areas.
• Of the 54 church buildings in the affected area, 31 have been assessed thus far. Of those 31 buildings, 19 have suffered varying degrees of damage.
• There is no significant damage to the Tokyo temple.
• Church leaders in the Sendai Stake are in the process of assessing the condition of all Church member homes.
• The LDS disaster response team at Church headquarters is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant contact with the Area Office in Tokyo.
• Area leaders are working with government and humanitarian organizations to provide assistance.
• Members throughout Japan are expressing their love and sympathy to those affected by the quake and are anxious to provide assistance.