Nissan Supports South Asia Disaster Victims

70 minutes...For little over an hour, the South Pacific ocean has been struck by no less than three major quakes, with the fourth hitting hours later. And this only this Wednesday. Prior to that, other quakes, tsunamis and the Ketsana Typhoon hit the region in a devastating sequence of natural disaster.

As part of the world-wide relief effort, Japanese carmaker Nissan announced it will try and come to the help of those affected by providing both money and vehicles to be used in assisting the aid teams.

"In response to the successive catastrophies which hit Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, has pledged monetary donations to International NGO groups to aid in emergency-relief efforts," Nissan said in a release.

Thus, the Japanese will give 3 million yen ($33,000) to the victims of the Ketsana Typhoon, which struck the Philippines in late September and 26.5 million yen ($297,000) to those affected by the Sumatra earthquake on September 30.

For Samoa, the island which was struck by a tsunami on September 29, will receive from Nissan 1 million yen ($11,000) through Medecins Sans Frontieres Japan.

In addition to the financial support, the local divisions and dealers Nissan has in the disaster-struck regions have began helping as well. Universal Motors Philippines will loan vehicles, for free, to be used in recovery activities, while Nissan Motor Indonesia is trying to find funds to be used in the reconstruction efforts.

Other local carmaker will likely follow Nissan's lead and announce their support as well.