The 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the northeast coast of the country, triggering a massive tsunami on March 11 with waves up to 38 meters high. As of May 1 the number of confirmed dead was 14,704, while 10,969 were missing or unaccounted for and 5,178 had been treated for injuries. Over 125,000 people displaced by the disaster remained in evacuation centers within the three worst affected prefectures.

Recently, Prince Alwaleed met with Shigeru Endo, Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who thanked Prince Alwaleed for the donation to Japan’s earthquake victims. Also during the meeting the two discussed various issues on the economic and social front.

The allocation and distribution of the donation to those in need was in coordination with the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS), and with the Japanese Embassy under the supervision of Halla Angawi, executive manager of the International Projects Department at the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation.

As a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the JRCS’ vision is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world. As part of the JRCS relief operation, more than 125,000 blankets, 183,000 pieces of clothing, 26,000 emergency relief kits and 11,000 sleeping kits have been handed out to evacuees.

In some places, the construction of prefabricated shelters has started. The government is building about 70,000 shelters. JRCS has agreed with local administrations to provide each of these houses with a package of appliances. This includes refrigerators, washing machines, cooking utensils etc. JRCS will further explore different projects, with support of movement partners, targeting the most vulnerable.