The Disaster in Japan

I just wanted to post a map of where I live in relation to Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures, the location of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plants.  There was no damage in Fukui, where many didn’t even feel the earthquake (I felt only a tremor, like a heavy truck passing on the highway, for about a minute).

My location in Fukui Prefecture in relation to Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures.  (Thank again for the map, Anna)

The Japanese prime minister described this disaster as "the most severe crisis in the past 65 years since World War II,"  but there is one impressive fact about the national response to this disaster: even in the most devastated regions, there is still order.  There is no looting, no violence.  I’m in complete awe at the rescue efforts and the local reaction.  To put that into perspective, when I went down to New Orleans on a relief trip about six months after Hurricane Katrina, the volunteers were housed in a warehouse which was patrolled by armed guards and had a strict 10PM curfew, since it was still so dangerous in the Ninth Ward.  That is simply not the case in Japan.

I do encourage everyone to donate to the relief efforts if they can.  Within Japan, all Hearts supermarket locations are accepting donations of blankets, pillows, canned food, and bottled water, and you can make cash donations at any conbini.  Outside of Japan, you can donate through the Red Cross, as well as many other relief organizations.  Here is a great article from the New York Times with information for Americans who want to donate and help the people of northeastern Japan.