Statement on Emergency Response in Japan | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
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Phone:206-709-3400
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Mail:[email protected]
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s thoughts are with the people of Japan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011.
On March 23, 2011, the foundation provided a $1 million grant to Mercy Corps to provide emergency response to earthquake and tsunami-affected communities.
Mercy Corps has been working with its longstanding partner in Japan, Peace Winds, which responded within hours of the disaster. Peace Winds was able to get emergency supplies — including large shelters, tents, blankets, instant rice, and fresh produce — to families in devastated areas. It continues to expand the scope of its emergency services at the community level.
While the emergency in Japan falls outside the typical scope of the foundation’s Emergency Response grantmaking, the magnitude of the crisis called for a response.
The foundation will continue to monitor the situation.