These questions are culled from phone calls, letters, faxes and e-mails sent to Rep. Gallegly's Thousand Oaks, Solvang, and Washington offices. Each week Rep. Gallegly adds another question and answer. Please add your comments.
March 11, 2011
Question: I have relatives in Japan. Which federal agency should I contact for information about their well being? Also, how may I help the people affected by the recent earthquakes and tsunamis?
Answer: For information on the whereabouts and welfare of family and friends in Japan, please consult the State Department website, email JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or call the toll-free number 1-888-407-4747. Where Internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.
Due to the very recent nature of this disaster, more specific information and Japan specific disaster relief services will be generated in the coming weeks. Please check in with the State Department website periodically for updated information.
The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. Information on organizations responding to the humanitarian situation in Japan may be available at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and at USAID. Keyword: Donations.
Also, the Center for International Disaster Information's (CIDI) Guidelines and FAQ will be helpful in answering questions about monetary and non-monetary donations. CIDI works under contract to USAID.
For previous Questions of the Week chronologically and by topic, please see my Questions of the Week page.
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