The world has looked on in astonishment as Japan grapples with the most horrific natural disaster in its history. The rolling and images of destruction that have held many of us captive tell the story of immeasurable human suffering and unparalleled loss — the story of communities in crisis.
The tragedy has the makings of a major motion picture. First, an earthquake of such magnitude that its 'aftershocks' are as intense as the quake that devastated Christchurch. Next, a tsunami that demolished coastal communities, claimed up to 20,000 lives, and has seen more than 450,000 people evacuated. And finally, the nuclear crisis that threatens not only nearby communities but also Japan's crops and food exports.
Japan's outstanding earthquake preparedness prevented much further suffering. Short of avoiding the coastline entirely, there is little a country can do to protect against the threat of a tsunami. But earthquakes, however sudden and unexpected, need not always present the same challenge.
In a nation like Japan, precariously situated on the infamous ring of fire, earthquake preparedness is paramount. And in a nation like Japan — renowned for its technological prowess — earthquake-resistant design is fundamental to its cities and its infrastructure.
No matter how well prepared Japan's cities may have been, the nation now faces the grave challenge of rebuilding. In this, Japan can avail itself to its economic strength and the support of the world's economic structures. Grassroots agencies like Caritas will also have a role to play.
Already Caritas Australia's partners in Japan are providing emergency relief for hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee, and the Caritas network anticipates supporting the recovery over the coming three to five years. We are yet to fully understand the extent of this crisis.
As the nuclear crisis unfolds and the longer-term humanitarian response begins to take shape, news outlets will continue to share reports from the field. But as international airstrikes are launched against Libya, as controversy grows around Australia's asylum seeker detention centres, and as NSW prepares for its election this weekend, Japan's tragedy will inevitably slip off our news radar.
Without broad public interest, most humanitarian crises remain hidden to all but those in their midst. This is where agencies like Caritas have a vital role to play. Caritas Australia's commitment to highly vulnerable communities extends far beyond the daily news round.
Caritas Australia's Project Compassion enables us to set aside funds each year in readiness for the emergencies