Rupp: Please Keep Earthquake and Tsunami Victims in Your Thoughts and Prayers

As most of you know by now, Japan suffered a terrible 8.9 magnitude earthquake last Friday, which has garnered a death toll of nearly 2,800 people so far. Millions of people are without water and electricity, and more than 400,000 people are residing in shelters or temporary housing. Our country was affected too, with tsunami waves crashing into Hawaii beaches and down the West Coast.

There are many ways Missourians can help aid the countless people suffering from this natural disaster. The American Red Cross, Save the Children, and Doctors Without Borders are currently sending volunteers and resources to help victims. These organizations are very diligent in helping others. You can also visit Catholic Charities in O’Fallon or call them at (636) 723-3558 to see how you can help.

This tragedy is a reminder that natural disasters come very unexpectedly and without warning. The southeast region of our state, also known as the “Bootheel,” is located in the New Madrid fault, which is the most active seismic area in the country east of the Rocky Mountains. Many are unaware that the fault produces more than 200 earthquakes a year; we just don’t always feel them. In the winter of 1811-1812, a series of powerful earthquakes occurred in the New Madrid fault, with magnitudes up to an 8.0. Missouri hasn’t seen earthquakes of that magnitude since, but they are capable of happening again. It’s important to practice earthquake drills in our homes and schools, so we know exactly what to do should an earthquake occur. To learn more about earthquake awareness, visit www.fema.gov.

Please keep the victims of this disaster in your thoughts and prayers. Even though the earthquake is over, areas are still experiencing massive flooding from the tsunami and are dealing with a nuclear crisis and threats of radiation contamination. If everyone does just one kind act to help aid the people suffering, a big difference can be made.

As always, if you have any inquiries regarding this issue or any other matter within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. Here, you can also subscribe to my RSS feed on the main page of my website; it will keep you up to date on all my columns, press releases, and multimedia postings. Always feel free to e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.