Thursday, March 31, 2011

Fwd: Fwd: Japan Update 3-30-2011 from Michael


Forwarded by a friend about situation in Japan

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Fwd: Japan Update 3-30-2011
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:13:33 -0400
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-----Original Message-----

Sent: Tue, Mar 29, 2011 5:53 pm
Subject: Re: Japan Update 3-30-2011 from Michael


Dear Family and Friends,

We would like to thank everyone for the concern and prayers that have come in from all over the world.  We really appreciate your offers for assistance.

We did finally get relatively official news and have made indirect contact with some family members up north. It was reported in the newspaper that Junko's town (Osu) was actually the only place in that region to escape complete destruction.  Her father was able to beat the tsunami by sailing towards the tsunami and taking refuge out at sea. It has finally been confirmed that many of her relatives are miraculously safe in Osu, a small fishing town closest to the quake's epicenter.

On the tragic side, in Ishinomaki, a bit south of Osu, her cousin was not as fortunate.  The cousin's teenage daughters were rescued from the sinking car, however the mother was not.  In addition her aunt and the aunt' husband also did not survive. We plan to get up there as soon as possible, however gasoline shortages and the nuclear disaster remain obstacles to travel. 

In Tokyo and Kamakura life has not changed that much compared to the horrific scenes of destruction up north.  There are rolling blackouts and stores close earlier than usual at times, however we have supplies. 

The geiger counter positioned due north of where we live is not, and has not reported any substantial increases in radiation at this point.



Thank you once again for being there for us and I will keep you posted.


P.S. Here is a blog with photos of what remains of the main town we visited each year. Ogatsucho and the surrounding mountains is one of the most beautiful places in all of Japan and always reminded me of Arcadia National Park in Maine. 

=

posted by Bill @ March 31, 2011