At that time, I was at home and felt the quake. Though it was not so strong and we had no damage here in Kyoto, it continued about a couple of minutes and made me sick.
According to today's newspaper, 6548 people are confirmed dead, and another 10,000 people are still missing. Countless people are in shelters and we all are worried about their health due to lack of food, drink, medicine, and heating supplies (it's pretty cold these days and snowing...)
Of course we have sent lots of donations including food, drink, clothes, blankets, and daily necessities from all over Japan (and thanks God, we had lots of donations from all over the world!!), but some roads are crushed and there are still some people who are isolated.
Besides that, what bothers us most is that we are running out of gas out there. Even though we have huge amount of quake aid piled up in the storages, we have very little ways to deliver them.
I believe professional rescue teams (including some foreign teams!!) are doing their best, but at this point, no volunteers (except those who live near the disaster-stricken area and have cars with enough fuel) are allowed to go there as to prevent ourselves from being refugees, so all we can do now is to pray for the survivors to hang in there until lifeline will be back.
Another thing is that due to the rolling power outages, Tokyo and surrounding areas (yellow part of the map above) are asked to spend hours without any electricity.
And, of course, the nuclear problem. As you might already know, we are facing the risk of nuclear leak.
I felt so powerless.... I've never felt like that people are as small as an ant.
But it was no one but the survivors who encourages me. When I watched TV helplessly, did nothing but sobbing, a man, who survived the Tsunami but lost his home and was searching debris mound looking for his family, told the interviewer "we have to face up and move on! Now we have no choice but to ask favors to others, but we will promise to get over it and rebuilt the city again!"
People are people. Not an ant.
We have power. All of you give us the power!!!
And, this photo from a newspaper (Yomiuri Shinbun Newspaper dated Mar. 15 photographed by Hiroto Sekiguchi) I'm not sure if it is okay to show you this picture on the net (in terms copyright), but I would really like to let you know that we have hope!
The 4-month-old baby was rescued form a flooded house after 68 hours the Tsunami hit. Isn't it a miracle!? Isn't this a great picture!?
Now, we also worry about animals there. Lots of pets are missing, might be trembling and starving, looking for their owners. The official animal rescue team and some private rescue teams have already been there and struggling for saving animals.
This is what we've seen on TV. (I heard that these dogs are saved and taken care by a vet now.)
All animal lovers (including me!!!) are trying to figure out what we can do to help animals. I myself set up a website regarding pet rescue. I don't know what I can do now, but I feel that we all are united, and very positive!!!
Thank you very much those who care about us and gave me comments on the previous post.
Thank you Sugar the Golden Retriever,
Thank you Olive and her Mom,
Thank you Benny and Lily,
Thank you Ludo van Doggy,
Thank you Lacy,
Thank you Maggie and Mitch,
Thank you Mango Momma,
Thank you ASTA and Mom,
Thank you Addie, Lucie and Hailey
Thank you Velcro, kodak, 3 perf, blossom, Skye and mom Penny,
Thank you Morgan & Maisie,
Thank you dw,
Thank you Rudy,
We love you all!!!!!!!!!! I'll keep update sometime soon!
w00fs, I have been checking for updates too...The pictures, videos are still horrible..The world is watching and praying for all of u...I saw that baby on the MSN news feed..a miracle..and the two doggies broke my heart..hope they will b ok...Hope u are all getting the help u need...
ReplyDeleteb safe,
the hudson furkids
and mama
We continue to think of you and the people of Japan every day. All our feets are crossed for you. We are so Happee you are ok
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Japan~
ReplyDelete~You have such beautiful inner strength~
Like Lacy & Benny and Lily said - the world is watching and the world is thinking and praying as well~
Continue to be strong through this~
Continue to pray~
Thank you for this post~
Thinking of you~
Katy, IzZY, Josie, TriXie and Anakin Man
I have so much admiration for the Japanese people and the dignity they have shown pulling together after this unimaginable disaster. I am glad to hear that you are OK, but it is very scary to learn of the conditions that you are enduring for who knows how long. Please continue to post and let us know what is happening.
ReplyDeleteMango Momma
Thank you fow youw post. It must be so vewy vewy hawd fow you to watch and not to be able to do anything. It's hawd fow all of us, but we hope we awe doing a little something. The people of japan awe so vewy bwave and admiwable and dignified. We awe in awe of them. I hope many mowe will be found and get help and not get huwt fuwthew.
ReplyDeleteWe will continoo to pway fow all the hoomans and fuwwkids. I'm so vewy glad you awe fine!!!!!
smoochie kisses
ASTA
Thank you for posting again! We agree with the others, it must be so hard to feel so helpless. Our thoughts will continue to be with you and thank you for posting the stories that have some hope in them!
ReplyDeleteWhat happened was so sad. The day it happened, we saw it on TV and we were shocked and scared. We pray for all the people of Japan. Hope they'll stay strong throughout. Glad to know that you are fine.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for Japan and all of those effected by this disaster. So sad to see all of the images coming in. It is amazing to see the determination and perseverance of the people there.
ReplyDeletePugs & Kisses,
Yoda, Brutus & Ellie
We are praying for all the people in Japan. Are you guys ok since the last earthquake?
ReplyDeleteLicks,
Ruthie