Iwakuni Update Tues 3/22

It's been a bright sunny day in Iwakuni, Japan and we remain safe, as 24/7 efforts continue at Daichii nuclear reactors to prevent total melt-down. It's important to remember that this HAS NOT occurred in Fukushima - as it did in Chernobyl. Radiation levels are being monitored, and highest levels are concentrated within the 20 km radius of the power plant. Levels are also being monitored all over northern Japan, as well as the seawater offshore. Low-levels of radiation which are not considered a risk to health, are being found further away in northern Japan, likely due to wind & rain dispersion.

Progress at the nuclear power plant is slower than we all wish, but we're all hopeful that meticulously-executed methods will result in total containment. As of today, external power has been restored to all 6 reactors, and pumps & all equipment are carefully being examined for damage before resuming the automatic cooling systems. Meanwhile, creative external seawater cooling processes continue by firefighters, including many from other areas of Japan who have volunteered to assist in this effort.

Please check the frequently updated NHK World English website for related stories and photos. Information in Japan changes on an hour-to-hour basis, so a scary situation in one headline, may quickly be resolved. Please continue to disregard "panic" reports that are not scientifically-based. If anyone's interested here's a link for NHK World English live streaming video.

And major aftershocks continue in the affected area. Check out this AMAZING updated list! All are M5.0 or higher.

Over 9,000 people are now confirmed dead with another 13,000 still unaccounted for. Experts believe these numbers may actually be much higher because so many villages were almost completely wiped out, and there may be no one left to report names of missing loved ones. More trains are running, and with gasoline now more available and more roads opening, family members are traveling into the stricken areas to search for their loved ones, with some sad and some happy outcomes.

Personnel from the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier were flying helicopter relief missions to shelters today in remote areas where roads have not yet been opened. It was heartwarming to see the evacuees' welcoming faces as boxes were delivered, and their grateful bows & waves of thanks as the military departed.

On the TV news tonight, we saw a large group of men enjoying a soak in a temporary hot bath that had been set up in one of the shelters. They were laughing and said it was good to finally feel warm!

Thank you for your continued response and thoughtful concern.