**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

In Los Angeles:
Margaret Aguirre
Director of Global Communications
310.826.7800
maguirre@InternationalMedicalCorps.org

Major Earthquake and Tsunami Strikes Japan; International Medical Corps

Responding to Tsunami-affected Countries

March 11, 2011, Los Angeles, Calif. – International Medical Corps is responding to the situation in
Japan and tsunami-warning areas, following an 8.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s coast,
triggering a tsunami that devastated northern parts of the country and put a tsunami warning in
effect for much of the Pacific.

“We are putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan
and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities,” said Rabih Torbay, Vice
President of International Operations for International Medical Corps. “While Japan has a large
capacity to manage a disaster of this scale, we will respond as needed.”

The earthquake struck at 2:46 p.m. Tokyo time and hundreds of people are expected to have been
killed in Japan, with officials reporting to the Associated Press that 200 to 300 bodies were found in
Sendai, the northeastern port city closest to the epicenter. It has been described as the largest
earthquake on record for Japan. Aftershocks continue to shake the country, with a second large
earthquake of 7.4-magnitude.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center put a warning in effect for much of the Pacific Ocean, stating
that the tsunami could affect Russia, Taiwan, Hawaii, Indonesia, the Marshall Islands, Papua New
Guinea, and Australia. The agency later added the west coasts of the United States, Mexico, Central
America, and South America as areas that could see tidal surges.

Tsunami waves of 2.5 feet were reported in Indonesia, while the Midway Islands registered a wave
of approximately five feet. In Hawaii, coastal areas were evacuated and surges of roughly four feet
were reported. All countries report only minor damage.

Approximately two million people around Tokyo currently do not have electricity, while cell phone
service is reported to be down across central and northern Japan. On Friday, President Barack
Obama said the United States was ready to help however needed.

International Medical Corps has responded to emergencies in more than 50 countries, including the
2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, 2005 Pakistan earthquake, 2010 Haiti earthquake and Pakistan
floods.

Since its inception nearly 25 years ago, International Medical Corps’ mission has been consistent: relieve the
suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus
on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to
self-reliance. For more information visit our website at www.International Medical Corps.org.  Also see us on
Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  

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