Report on response to the March 11, 2011 Japanese earthquake that measured 9.0 on the Richter Scale and the subsequent tsunami. 

The following information was shared with Southern Baptist state disaster relief directors during a March 22, conference call:

1. 8,199 people confirmed dead and 12,722 officially missing (total dead + missing = 20,921)
2. Myagi prefecture is the hardest hit area. Confirmed dead = 4,882 but authorities believe this number could exceed 15,000.
3. There are currently 367,141 people living in 2,300 evacuation centers. About 10,000 per day are returning to their areas as power/water is being restored.
4. Already 21,000 people have relocated to other areas of the country living in secondary places such as with family, friends, vacation houses, etc.
5. Government has initiated rebuilding of 30,000 homes
6. The Japanese government has at this time limited international assistance by demanding that non-government entities (NGOs) publicly disclose what relief items (goods and finances) are being appropriated to Japan. The Japanese government also is demanding that all foreign government and NGOs coordinate services with their government departments. Due to safety concerns all search and rescue is strictly limited to Japanese government approved rescue workers. 

So what can be done? For now . . .

Pray-for those who might remain alive under the rubble. Pray for those who are experiencing the death and destruction. Pray for the safety of those engaged in rescue and repair. Pray that the Gospel will become clear to people of Japan. 

Give-The Louisiana Baptist Convention continues to collect funds for relief work. It will take years to rebuild and it is important for us to give our resources through those entities that are accountable. That is why the funds given to through the LBC will be forwarded to those with strategic networks with Japan: the California Baptist Convention and the International Mission Board’s Global Response. For information on how to give the article Japanese Tsunami Relief Fund Established. 

In a disaster, the difference between surviving well, just getting by, or not surviving at all may be a matter of preparedness.  While even the best prepared may not escape difficulty, being properly prepared increases the chance of surviving many of the difficulties that accompany disasters.  This list of resources is to help you be prepared so that when disaster does strike, you can decrease your chances of being a victim.

Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness - http://www.getagameplan.org/ 

• Putting Together an Emergency Kit
• Evacuation Information
• Important Numbers 

Louisiana 211 - http://www.louisiana211.org/ 

National Coastal Data Development Center - http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov/ 

• Scientific Information about Coastal Preservation and NOAA Extreme Weather Information Sheets (under publications menu)

Church Preparedness - Church Preparedness Powerpoint Presentation Download 

• Help associational leadership learn about disaster relief needs and resources in their area.
  Evaluate disaster relief possibilities and develop plans and protocols to assist churches in responding to the community following a disaster.
   

Associational Preparedness - Associational Preparedness Powerpoint Presentation Download 

• To assist churches to prepare for disaster by developing a strategy to minister to their communities during crisis through preparing their facilities, training their members, securing supplies, and developing protocols that will activate their disaster response plans.

Team Contacts
318.448.3402
1.800.622.6549 (LA only)

Gibbie McMillan, Men's Ministry & Volunteer Strategist
Gibbie.McMillan@LBC.org
ext. 276

Erich Greer, Ministry Assistant
Erich.Greer@LBC.org
ext. 280