Coincheck Exchange Raises Bitcoin Donations for Japan Earthquake Victims

Japanese bitcoin exchange Coincheck is raising funds for victims of last week's earthquake.
Coincheck accepts Bitcoin donations
At the time of writing, the fund has raised 26,865 bitcoins (about $11,615) from 146 donors.
Two earthquakes occurred near Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island, killing at least 29 people and injuring nearly 2,000. The first earthquake occurred on the evening of April 14, with a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale, killing 10 people and causing the collapse of some buildings.
The first earthquake was merely a foreshock, and a more powerful earthquake (magnitude 7) struck the area again at midnight on April 16, causing more death and destruction. Aftershocks have not stopped, and residents are still in panic.
There are still many unknowns
The death toll is still rising as rescue efforts continue. More than 44,000 people have been evacuated to safe areas, where they are now sheltering in school gymnasiums, community centers and even in open parks.
Although the earthquake did not cause a major tsunami, landslides caused serious damage to some roads, collapsed large bridges, and destroyed parts of the historic Aso Shrine and the walls of Kumamoto Castle. Water supply services were suspended throughout Kumamoto Prefecture, and people are worried that local dams will collapse and cause flooding.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces deployed 20,000 soldiers to assist in rescue and cleanup efforts.
Coincheck Donations
Coincheck sends Bitcoin donations and money to Peace Winds Japan (Pwj), a non-governmental organization.
Coincheck has been operating since September 2014 and is a popular Bitcoin exchange for consumers, and has become one of the most popular local markets. When someone donates Bitcoin, it invites them to use their services.
Japan and Natural Disasters
The second Kumamoto earthquake was the largest ever recorded on Kyushu Island and the largest natural disaster in Japan since a 2011 earthquake in northeastern Japan triggered a tsunami that devastated coastal towns and killed 15,000 people.
20% of the world's major earthquakes (magnitude 6 and above) occur in Japan. Although Japan has had the world's strictest building codes for decades, many buildings in earthquake zones are old and traditional, with wood and heavy roof tiles.
Japan's urban areas have a high proportion of elderly residents, which has led to a surge in casualties in areas affected by natural disasters and has also increased the difficulties faced by caregivers.