There are no words that can explain the hellbound situation in Japan, Tsunami has not only shaken The Land of Rising Sun, it has also been a wake up call for the rest of the world. Diplomatic assistance is something that has its own procedures and a way of working, but when it comes to technology it brings the world together beyond geographical boundaries.

Companies like Google, Twitter and Microsoft are finding different ways to help the Japanese and also making it easier for you to play your part. Google has created a 'Crisis Response' page where one can find all the information regarding the disaster through real time updates.

They've listed local Japan Emergency numbers and numbers through which one can consult about missing people. One can also donate through this page to the Japanese Red Cross Society. 

Google has also launched 'Person Finder' app in Japanese, Chinese, English, Korean and Portuguese, a user-populated search tool where one can submit information about a missing person or enter details of someone they're looking for...at the time of writing this post the app had already tracked 183300 records. Through Picasa web album, Google lets people staying in shelters share the names of victims and provide information of their location; people are clicking pictures of these lists posting it on Google Japan's Gallery. 

Twitter too is doing everything they can by sharing tips, resources and information through their Japanese blog and have also listed hashtags that can help you find specific information. Their mobile site in Japan consists of all the latest information, message boards and other useful links. Twitter has started a new blog called Hope 140 where they describe that “As people spread positive knowledge through Twitter, we'll collect it and highlight good social movements that you might want to get involved in.” 

Microsoft has pledged a donation of $250,000, while Yahoo and Amazon have added “The American Red Cross” widget on their homepage from where you can directly give donations. On Yahoo they've added links of other organizations as well who are providing relief to the victims of the disaster. A website called attorneygeneral.gov cautions people against possible scams which are inevitable even in situations like this. 

“A few minutes spent researching various relief organizations can help you avoid scams and also make certain that your charitable contribution will actually be helping the victims of the earthquake in Japan, or other castastrophic events,” says Bill Ryan (acting Attorney General) “Also watchout for look-alike or sound-alike organizations or websites created by scam artists who are hoping to fool unsuspecting consumers.” he adds. 

Companies like AT&T and Verizon are contributing by allowing their customers to make free international calls to Japan and send fee text messages there. Ebay has joined hands with Global Living, on their eBay Giving Works page for every sale the seller will donate 10% to 100% towards the relief. PayPal has also added “Japan Needs Help” link on their homepage through which you can make contributions to four organizations listed by them through a PayPal account; PayPal is covering all processing costs. Whereas on Facebook a public event with the name of “Help Japan” is created where one can leave their prayers and donate through the links provided in it. 

You can also visit The Humanitarian Coalition website to make  your contributions.

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