Direct Relief is closely monitoring reports of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia and the resulting tsunami warnings, which have prompted evacuation orders across Japan and Hawaiʻi, as well as other coastal areas throughout the Pacific Ocean.

Direct Relief is coordinating with the organization’s network of healthcare providers, first responder organizations, and international agencies across at-risk areas to assess needs and stands ready to provide emergency medical support and supplies should needs arise. In the United States, Direct Relief is in communication with the Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health to assess potential medical needs and ensure readiness to support affected communities. Direct Relief is also in communication with the Northwest Regional Primary Care Association, which includes Alaska health centers.

In Japan, the organization is coordinating with Peace Winds Japan, a non-governmental disaster response organization, to evaluate needs on the ground and offer emergency medical supplies and support.

In the South Pacific, Direct Relief is coordinating with the Pacific Community, formerly the South Pacific Commission, as well as the Pacific Island Health Officers Association. 

As assessments across at-risk regions continue, Direct Relief stands ready to mobilize medical supplies and other requested assistance.

Direct Relief has a history of responding to tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, during which the organization provided over $13.5 million in grants and $45.4 million in medicines, nutritional products, and emergency medical supplies to nearly 90 local healthcare partner organizations across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. Following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, Direct Relief provided more than $5.5 million in grants to 13 Japanese aid groups to support relief and recovery efforts.

Direct Relief will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.