The earthquake, reaching a colossal 9.0 magnitude on the Richter scale, set off a 10-meter high tsunami in Northern Japan that ripped buildings off their foundations and swept homes, cars, and ships away in its destructive waves. More than 10,800 people have died and thousands more are missing after drowning in the waves or being trapped underneath the rubble.

More bodies are found every day, and the death toll is expected to reach 20,000. Hundreds of thousands are homeless and facing freezing temperatures and a lack of shelter, electricity, fuel, food, water and other supplies.

The damage is estimated to be over $300 billion, making it the world’s most expensive natural disaster. The images of whole towns that have disappeared and families walking through rubble are heart-wrenching. Many still have to find shelter and children are currently being tested for radiation after the nuclear plant meltdown.

As in any crisis, people should help in any way they can. Donating money is the best way, because sending supplies personally will be hard to organize and distribute. One simple way for students to make a small but helpful donation is to text “REDCROSS” to 90999, and $10 will be donated that will be charged to your phone bill. It is an easy way to help for people going through extreme hardship. We owe this to the people of Japan.

Visit http://www.charitynavigator.org to see a list of charities you can donate to for Japan relief.