Iwakuni Update Mon 3/21

Today is Vernal Equinox Day - "This Japanese national holiday was established in 1948 as a day for the admiration of nature and the love of living things. Prior to 1948, the vernal equinox was an imperial ancestor worship festival called Shunki kōrei-sai." -Wikipedia.org
But I don't think there will be many celebrations this year. . .

We are still safe here and life continues to go on as usual, although military from MCAS Iwakuni are participating in humanitarian efforts, named Operation Tomodachi (friendship) & our base has become a staging area. Hundreds of boxes with needed supplies have been prepared and shipped from our base, thanks to hard-working volunteers. If you want to donate from the US, here's a link to Japan's Red Cross Society.

Backup power systems to Reactors # 5 & 6 have been restored, so these 2 should be out of danger now - just 4 more to go! Japan's transport ministry has started disclosing radiation levels near the 2 international airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area in an effort to dispel unfounded fear. Radiation levels fluctuate, and remain high immediately around the areas of the damaged power plants, but no dangerous levels have been found outside this area. Please try to refrain from or take seriously any reports that promote fear. PLEASE READ THIS! (Thanks, Jake for posting on FB!)

Death tolls have risen to over 8,600 with over 13,000 still missing. More than a quarter-million people displaced from earthquakes, tsunami, and those living in areas near the damaged nuclear reactors have been evacuated into over 2300 shelters across northern Japan. Many are overcrowded and are running low on basic needs as more and more are evacuated. But hot food and hot foot baths have been provided by unaffected communities to those in some shelters, and these little luxuries really help to raise spirits amidst hardship. Saw where a sports clothing shop was giving away all their clothing to survivors in their village since they do not intend to continue their destroyed business. Temporary housing is already being built in many areas, and will be completed by the end of the month.

Good news late yesterday afternoon when two survivors were rescued from their collapsed home after 10 days! READ HERE!