Earthquake, tsunami batter Japan

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is on standby to lend assistance in Japan in the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami and a nuclear plant explosion that have wreaked havoc on northern areas of the country.

"The IRC is monitoring the situation closely, looking at ways to provide rapid suport to local organizations and is prepared to send in relief experts as needed to assist in this multi-pronged disaster," says Gillian Dunn, the IRC's director of emergency response programs.