Google has recently uploaded satellite imagery that captures some of what happened when the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit Japan. You will need to either visit a Picasa web page or to have Google Earth ability on your PC (either with the downloadable application or a Google maps plugin).

In addition, Google has a `crisis response` page in operation. Use this to track news, access emergency resources and information updates.  Person finder is a way to find any uploaded news on individuals who might have been caught up in everything that has happened.

Separately Facebook has a tool for any of your friends who had a northern Japanese location set as their current city in their profile.

You can also find out about how to help at the Japan red Cross Page.