You are in: Latest News » SALVATION ARMY IN JAPAN BEGINS EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE...
Released 11 March 2011
Media Contact:
Faithe Colas
Community Relations Director
414-531-6363
www.SAmilwaukee.org
Wauwatosa, WI (March 11, 2011) The Salvation Army in Japan is
responding to the earthquake and tsunami that brought devastation to the north
of the country. Communication and travel
have been badly hit by the disaster, and the moment the true cost in human life
and property can only be guessed.
The most damaged city is Sendai, about 400 kilometers away from Tokyo. Commissioner Makoto Yoshida, leader of
The Salvation Army's Japan Territory, was at territorial headquarters in Tokyo and reports: 'Our
building swayed tremendously. It was hard for us to keep standing and many of
us were really frightened.'
He adds: 'We are sending a team
to Sendai tonight [11 March] and tomorrow we will start providing the basic
necessities as well as assessing the level of damage so we can decide what else
we can do.'
Public transport in Tokyo stopped because of
the earthquake, leaving many commuters unable to leave work. Commissioner
Yoshida says: 'We opened our hall on the ground floor of territorial
headquarters to those who could not go home. We served them with hot drinks and
packed meals.'
General Shaw Clifton, the
international leader of The Salvation Army, has already been in touch with the
commissioner to assure him of the prayers and support of Salvationists around
the world.
###
About The
Salvation Army:
The
Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been
supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly
30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year
through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food
for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled,
outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and
opportunities for underprivileged children. Approximately 84 cents of every dollar
raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities
nationwide. For more information visit www.samilwaukee.org