A number of organisations have set up appeals to help residents of Japan's northeast deal with the aftermath of a 9.0-magnitude quake, a 10-metre tsunami and the threat of a nuclear emergency.
The Australian Red Cross is accepting secure donations online and over the phone on 1800 811 700. Apple computer users can donate to Red Cross America with one click via iTunes.
Save the Children Australia is accepting online donations to its Japan Earthquake Appeal, and its toll free call centre is available every day and over the long weekend on 1800 760 011. You can also download a donation form and fax it to +61 3 9938 2088, or mail it to: Japan Earthquake Appeal, Save the Children, Reply Paid 86599 Fitzroy VIC 3065
The Salvation Army has teams in Japan helping with relief operations in the disasters areas. Visit its website to find out how to donate or call 1300 36 36 22.
World Vision has sent a team to help in relief efforts, and one-off or continuing donations can be made to them via World Vision Australia online or by phoning 13 32 40.
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UNICEF is also accepting donations to its Japan Emergency Appeal, which can be made via UNICEF online or over the phone on 1300 884 233.
For fans of Facebook games FarmVille, CityVille and FrontierVille, their creator, Zynga has pledged 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of virtual sweet potatoes, radishes or cows to Save the Children's efforts, and is aiming to raise $2 million.
Information lines
If you are concerned about friends and relatives in Japan, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises you to try to contact them directly and if this is unsuccessful, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre hotline on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia).
The International Committee of the Red Cross, working with the Japanese Red Cross, has a special Family Links website to help people trying to make contact with family members and friends in Japan.
People in Japan can register on the website to let their family and friends know they are safe, and can provide their current contact details. Those looking for people can check the list for information, and can register the names of relatives and friends, encouraging them to get in contact.
Google has also launched a Japan people-finder app, as well as offering a donation page linking to the Japanese Red Cross Society and featuring useful information, including emergency numbers, disaster message boards and missing persosn numbers for Japanese speakers.
