FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OPERATION USA TO SEND EMERGENCY AID TO JAPAN FOLLOWING 8.9 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 11, 2011)—Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will prepare to aid Japan as necessary as part of the relief efforts following the earthquake that hit last night.

The 8.9 quake, the most powerful recorded in Japan’s history, struck 250 miles north-east of Tokyo, trigerring a massive Tsunami. The earthquake hit at 1446 local time at a depth of about 24km, causing great human loss and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Although the death toll is unclear, the first police reports indicate that approximately 300 bodies have been found. Many people are still missing. Tsunami warnings have been issued across the Pacific to North and South America.

Operation USA appeals for donations of funds from the public. The organization also calls for bulk corporate donations of health care materials, which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles.

HOW TO HELP:
Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232. Text REBUILD to 50555 to donate $10 to Operation USA’s relief efforts in Japan.

Corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies are also being requested. Air miles can also be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines Charity Miles program at www.united.com.

###

Media Contact :
Alison Deknatel
adeknatel@opusa.org
310.838.3455

Richard Walden
President and CEO
rwalden@opusa.org
310.838.3455