If you watched the news today you'd think the story was the imminent return of Godzilla.

CRS Ready to Respond to Devastation in Japan

Catholic Relief Service personnel throughout the Pacific are standing ready to assist those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan early Friday morning.

"We know from 2004 the devastating impact that these tsunamis can have," said Sean Callahan, CRS' executive vice president for overseas operations. "As with all such disasters, CRS will help people recover from the emergency and stand with them as they recover in the months and years to come."

A massive 8.9 magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on Friday, causing many injuries, fires and a ten-metre (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. Photo by REUTERS/KYODO Courtesy www.AlertNet.org

Caritas Japan is beginning to assess the needs in that country where the tsunami has caused extensive damage. CRS has programs in the Philippines and Indonesia and works with Caritas Oceania that is active in numerous islands in the Pacific that might be affected. Central American countries where CRS works could also be in danger.

"We will reach out to our Caritas partners to help them in any way we can," Callahan said.