[Here is a good list of relief efforts]

The Red Cross is the key aid organisation collecting donations for relief efforts following Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

The Japanese branch of the organisation is overseeing around 80 teams on the ground, but donations are being taken at branches around the world.

You can make online donations through the British Red Cross or you can download donation forms to post. Cheques should be made payable to British Red Cross and sent to British Red Cross, Japan Tsunami Appeal, Ref: ON2011, Freepost NAT21787, Paisley PA1 1BR.

The the American and the Philippine Red Cross are taking donations by SMS, which the Red Cross piloted after the earthquake in Haiti last year. For donations from the US, text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. In the Philippines text REDAMOUNT to 2899, or DONATEAMOUNT4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882 for Globe subscribers, and REDON to 4483 for Smart subscribers.

Alternatively, donations can be made to the Japanese Red Cross through Google's Crisis Response site, which also offers resources and information about the disaster.

The Salvation Army is also using SMS to take donations. Text the words JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation – make sure you respond YES when you receive a "thank you" message. You can also take the more tradition donor route, donating online, by phone, calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.