By: Samantha Blair, March 14, 2011

In response to the largest earthquake in recorded history, the Global Association of Billionaires and Millionaires (GABM) announced a donation of $ 15 million to the relief efforts of the Japan earthquake catastrophe. The massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean near North eastern Japan at about 2.46 local time on March the 11th, 2011. The earthquake and the subsequent Tsunami that followed have resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and it is believed that more than 3 000 individuals are still unaccounted for.

The devastation caused by the disaster to buildings and businesses are reported to exceed $ 100 billion, and the damage will take several years to repair. Extensive damage to at least 2 of Japan's nuclear power plants is a major concern and the Japanese authorities have already relocated more than 200 000 from the affected regions.

The President of GABM, Mr. Mark Paulsmeier has said that GABM has immediately responded to the calls from its Japanese associate members for monetary assistance towards the relief efforts. According to Paulsmeier the GABM organization has just over 700 associate members in Japan.

In recent years GABM has established itself as a leading contributor to international natural disasters. GABM has in the past donated $ 10 million towards the Asian Tsunami; and $ 10 million to the Hurricane Katrina; and $ 20 million to the Haiti Earthquake disasters.