UPDATED: How to Help Japan, Post-8.9 Earthquake, Tsunami

Hundreds are dead and many parts of northeast Japan are flooded Friday after an earthquake, three aftershocks and a tsunami rocked the region late Thursday our time.

See reaction from local officials .

The Southern California coast was waiting out related tsunami advisory Friday morning, with waves expected to hit the San Pedro and Santa Monica shorelines just after 8:30 a.m.

Experts were predicting currents hazardous to swimmers, boats and buildings that could last several hours. Coastal residents were advised to prepare for possible evacuation. As of Friday evening, Southern California coasts remained unharmed.

It's hard to watch the devastation in Asia without wanting to help. Donations to major international aid groups are one way. Save the Children is one group leading the response to the disaster. 

Click on this link to see a list of other international aid groups likely to respond.

Google has also created a person finder that people can use to help find the missing. 

San Marino Police Chief John Schaefer said Friday that he was not yet aware of any San Marino groups lending aid to Japan, but that it was still early.

Schaefer mentioned that Buddhist compassion group Tzu Chi would very likely set up Japan aid efforts.

Though Tzu Chi does not have a San Marino office, former San Marino mayor Matthew Lin, M.D. works with Tzu Chi, which has chapters and offices in 47 countries. The Tzu Chi Foundation National Headquarters is in San Dimas.

President and Clairbourn School Headmaster Dr. Robert Nafie heard of the Japan disaster Friday morning and did not at that point have solidified plans for the San Marino Rotary Club to help Japan.

"We'll be talking about, as the news comes out, practical ways we can help," said Nafie. "I'd be very surprised if Rotary International isn’t on the scene or will be. There's certainly Rotary clubs in Japan."

Indeed, Rotary International has set up a fund for Japan tsunami and earthquake victims here and will begin taking online donations starting March 14.

Nafie said Clairbourn School held a dance fundraiser for Haiti after its earthquake and that the school, San Marino Rotary and Rotary International have sent shelter boxes to those in need in the past.

Shelter boxes, Nafie explained, are droppable boxes that cost about $1,000 each and provide shelter, food and medical supplies for a group of 10 people for at least a month or longer.

"We've found that to be a good way to lend support," said Nafie.

Rotary District 5300, which has 66 Rotary clubs including San Marino's, may organize its own efforts but was unavailable for comment Friday.

What do you plan to do?  What are groups you work with in the San Marino community going to do?

Tell us and we'll post a list that others can use too.