I'm about to write a blog post here, linking to ways of getting in contact with people or helping out and information spots and helpful hints about earthquake survival for those stranded. I'll edit my post as soon as I've gathered it all up.
EDIT - taken from my blog: As of writing this blog post at 18:35 GMT, there are STILL mini-quakes and small earthquakes on-going. The earthquake hit off the coast of Miyagi pref. and was 8.9 (larger than the Great Kantou Quake) and there was no epicentre - the central zone was split along some 400 km. The toll is rising, and the resulting tsunami is expected to hit other coastlines, such as the US/South America coastline, as well as Australia and New Zealand and many other countries.
Headlines and Information:
http://iphweb.com/20...ke-information/
http://headlines.yah...000795-san-soci 200-300 Bodies found in Miyagi pref. (Japanese only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk...acific-12709598
http://www.itv.com/n...ol-vortex76744/
For those wanting to get in touch with loved ones:
Phones lines and train lines are down completely as of writing, but the internet is still working in some areas. If a loved one has Twitter, it is currently your best to get in contact with them. If you are wanting to check on someone, Google has introduced this people checker if want to try and get in touch with someone.
http://www.google.co...nquake2011.html Japanese
http://www.google.co...nquake2011.html English
For those reading who may be stuck in Japan:
In areas affected, many public schools are opening their doors to those who cannot get home and acting as shelters. I have received this information bulletin from my former university in Japan. For those interested, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies campus is currently okay - should I hear anything more from the universities I shall post it here.
Prepare water, food, warm clothes, flashlight, towels, raincoat, mask...(maybe only japanese ppl have ones), bell or whistle toilet paper, sanitary protections in case. Put on shoes with thick soles when you need to go out for safety.
You are also advised to switch off any unecessary electrical plugs.
There is free interpreting for foreign nationals who have been stranded by the disaster:
http://www.47news.jp...1101001122.html
For those who wish to help: Please get in touch with your local Red Cross or embassy to find out what you can do to help. Red Cross is currently taking donations for earthquake relief.
http://www.ifrc.org/
http://www.huffingto...f_n_834484.html