Steve Jobs sends message of support to Apple's team in Japan

Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs has sent out an email to the company’s team in Japan to share the message of support and help local employees cope with a series of terrifying disasters that have brought the country to standstill. The Macotakara website first published (and MacRumors confirmed it) the contents of Jobs’ email, posted here in its entirety.

To Our Team in Japan,

We have all been following the unfolding disaster in Japan. Our hearts go out to you and your families, as well as all of your countrymen who have been touched by this tragedy.

If you need time or resources to visit or care for your families, please see HR and we will help you. If you are aware of any supplies that are needed, please also tell HR and we will do what we can to arrange delivery.

Again, our hearts go out to you during this unimaginable crisis.

Please stay safe.

Steve and the entire Executive Team

Like many technology companies, Apple stood to the occasion responding to the nuclear crisis and tsunami that followed a 8.9 magnitude earthquake. The country’s seven Apple retail stores provided shelter, water and Internet access to the distressed people seeking their loved ones. iTunes also helped relief efforts by enabling donations of up to $200 through its billing infrastructure, with the proceeds going directly to the Red Cross.

Besides the horrific direct affect on the Japanese people, the disaster is taking a tremendous toll on Japanese economy, forcing many technology companies to close down their factories, including NAND Flash makers that provide memory chips for gadgets. The Cupertino company also delayed iPad 2 launch in the country indefinitely in the wake of the disaster, but that’s the least of Japan’s worries right now. The tablet was scheduled to go on sale on March 25.