The earthquake in Japan, with a magnitude of 8.9, has become the world’s fifth largest earthquake.  The quake was caused by the shifting of the Pacific tectonic plate under the North American plate.  Such a move caused eastern Japan to move 13 feet towards the United States.

The effects after an earthquake may be as simple as tremors or building collaspes. However, Japan witnessed  after the earthquake was much more destructive  and one of the worst events in the nation’s history.

After the quake, a tsunami came and visited Japan leaving an even more devestating mark on the country .  Thousands upon thousands Japanese people are now left homeless or living in shelters  as they attempt to survive the devastating catastrophe.

Thousands have died after the events, and nearly 2,000 bodies have been found washed up on the shorelines of Japan. More bodies of the missing are continuously being discovered.

Middletown High School students express their condolences for the loss of lives and hope for a better tomorrow for Japan.

“I feel bad for them because I wouldn’t want that to happen here. I hope people help them get through this disaster,” said MHS junior Breann Strube.

Organizations across the world are reaching out to help Japan, such as the American Red Cross, Save the Children,  the Salvation Army and many more.

The American Red Cross  has created a program that enables those willing to donate towards the relief funds to text REDCROSS to the number 90999 to make a $10 donation.