It is no doubt that we are all aware Japan is currently in the midst one of its most damaging natural disasters in recent times.
The early afternoon of Friday 11th March saw a colossal earthquake rock the north-eastern coastline of Japan weighing in at magnitude 8.9 on the Richter scale; the fifth largest quake in the world and the most extensive to ever hit the country.
The tremor along with the many resulting aftershocks would trigger a huge tsunami over the Japanese coast, a 30ft wall of water powerful enough to sweep away vehicles and destroy homes completely.
Many of us have been glued to our television screens, news and social networking sites in order to learn the latest news on the disaster which has so far claimed a devastating casualty count of more than 9,000 with 13,000 still feared missing.
Students here in Loughborough have responded considerably by continuing to participate in a variety of events to help the aid effort.
Loughborough Students RAG have set up a ‘JustGiving’ donation web page in aid of the Japan Tsunami Appeal which has so far raised £175 online whilst individual student efforts such as cake sales and collection buckets have been popping up throughout the campus with one impressive group of Loughborough students and a lecturer managing to raise an amazing £3,500 for the cause.
Experience the World Week (Wednesday 23rd– 30th March) will involve many fundraising events and this FND is set to include a separate queue for those willing to raise their entrance price from £3.50 to £4.00 for the night, the extra will be donated towards Japan.
It’s not too late to get involved in the many campus charity activities and donate what you can. Students can easily keep up to date with the latest special fundraising events via twitter page @LSUhelpsjapan.
Although the tsunami and earthquake have undoubtedly had an extremely damaging effect on the country, we can only hope that the contributions raised here through our RAG section, along with the extensive amount donated globally, can go a long way in helping to rebuild the infrastructure and restore the electricity, water and transportation for the millions affected.
