In times of crisis, countries help one another

It is comforting to know that during times of disasters, countries extend helping hands to each other. There have been many instances that this had happened in the past. Nations help one another to send manpower, doctors, rescue workers, relief aid and financial aid to countries in need.

During the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake with magnitude between 9.1 and 9.3 temblor in Sumatra—the tsunami-triggered temblor killed over 230,000 and displaced 1.7 million people in 14 countries—prompted global humanitarian assistance to the tune of US$14 billion (2004 dollar value), Wikipedia said.

Last month's Christchurch city magnitude 6.3 earthquake that resulted to 166 deaths, poured help from overseas to the devastated city consisting of both monetary and non-monetary assistance from many countries like Australia (US$5.1 million) and China (US$500,000).

This time, in Japan, the world has joined hands again to give support to the world's third largest economic giant since the twin disasters smashed the northeastern coast of the country that has killed over 10,000 and displaced several hundred thousand people that was followed by another hurdle—the Fukushima nuclear blast.

Both the developed and developing nations showed support again in many forms such as sending food, manpower and financial aid.

Among many things like military, financial and relief goods, the US is sending four iRobots to help in the analysis of the air for radioactive materials in the areas near the crippled plant. The battery-powered robots were sent to the devastated country last week to help the Japanese military in relief efforts too, said Computer World.

The UK's Save the Children charity donated US$2.4 million (GBP1.5 million) while the Red Cross has so far raised US$4.9 million (GBP3 million) for the disaster victims.

Not only are the NGOs helping raise funds, smaller groups and British nationals who have no connections to Japan offered financial help too, said Japan Today.

It is nice to know that African nations are on the go to help the distressed victims of this rich country.

A blog entry said, Botswana did its best to raise US$152,597 (BWP1 million pula). The word "pula" means "rain" in this African country.

Gabon dug deep in their pockets to come up with US$1 million for the disaster victims.

Conflict-torn Sudan gave an impressive US$100,000.

The Philippine government on Friday sent 10.11 metric tons of relief supplies—food packs, towels, dust masks, mats and noodles—that cost US$23,000 (PHP1 million). The shipment arrived in Japan on the same day, the PDI reported.

The Japanese government is grateful for the help and "is determined to rebuild itself after this crisis."

In these countries, it is not the amount that counts, but the humanitarian considerations and global interconnectedness.

Watch the attached Youtube video about the situation in Japan and the media.