Japanese Earthquake
March 11, 2011
Early Friday morning, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan wreaked havoc on the region and spawned tsunami warnings for at least 50 other countries. We are all attempting to absorb the magnitude of this terrible tragedy and the suffering experienced by the people of Japan. The strongest earthquake in recent history and the ensuing tsunami have resulted in massive destruction and loss of life. The prospect of a full-blown nuclear disaster now looms heavily over the region.
World governments and the international aid community are poised to engage the people of Japan in their struggle. Japan will no doubt draw from their own significant resources in this time of disaster. However, in the event that additional help is deemed necessary, Hope Force stands ready along with the rest of the world to bring aid.
It is possible that the need for orthopedic assistance could rise to the forefront in the days ahead. Dr. Toney Russell, one of the world?s leading orthopedic surgeons and member of HFI?s Medical Advisory Board, is reaching out to his contacts in Japan to convey our support and readiness to serve should the need arise. Dr. Russell is in discussions with orthopedic supply sources in the event that an orthopedic response materializes. Hope Force is working with partner agencies to determine the most effective way forward to aid the response to this terrible disaster and we are accepting donations toward the relief efforts.
