The earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan on March 11 prompted an outpouring of sympathy and offers of assistance from around the globe. In the United States, the Japanese American Citizens League set up the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund, which has collected more than $3 million to date.
Forty-two NGOs from 16 nations have arrived in Japan to help with relief efforts, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates. Yet there have been reports about logistical and cultural issues complicating ground operations.
Devex spoke with Washington-based JACL Executive Director Floyd Mori about his organization’s first foray into overseas relief, and what other organizations may learn from the experience.