Friday Afternoon Update

Water is again being utilized, this time pumper firetrucks borrowed from US military, in an attempt to cool down the overheating reactors with tons of seawater. Rising vapor is being interpreted as indications that this process is working. What everyone needs to understand here is that these are stop-gap measures until power is successfully restored, pumps start working, and normal cooling can occur. CHECK HERE! Similar efforts were taken yesterday using helicopters dropping water, and the radiation levels dropped slightly as a result, which Japan news sources reported as successful, but some US sources, reported as a failure. US news media spreading fear and panic is NOT helping this delicate situation.

Japan, with assistance from the US and several other countries' nuclear scientists, is planning and implementing a myriad of preventive courses to take, but it is only Japanese personnel - military and firemen (public service folks) - who are the ones risking their health and their lives immediately near the reactors, in order to prevent the worst-case scenario not only for Japan, but for the entire world, IF a major nuclear melt-down and subsequent explosion were to occur. Right now, all the risk and danger remains in Northern Japan, immediately surrounding the damaged nuclear plants.

In addition, US military are in & out of the surrounding area delivering desperately-needed supplies and assistance to victims, and we hear that some "may" have been slightly exposed to radiation as well, although all protective measures were utilized and medical help is being provided if necessary. No injuries are reported. We cannot begin to express our gratitude to all of these brave heroes who are choosing to remain in harm's way . . .

Just received info from Stan that there IS now a voluntary evacuation of the entire Island of Honshu (the big one where we are located at the south-west end & the disaster is located at the north-east end), so although I am authorized to leave, Stan is considered "essential & not authorized" as a teacher, so we stay - for now. Of course - & I repeat - IF our location were to become dangerous, we would ALL be authorized & required to leave. . . We are still confident that the reactors will be prevented from permanent damage & the pumps will start working again, averting a worse crisis. Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement.