Iwakuni Update -Thurs 3/24

The overall news here remains positive and hopeful. Although there are setbacks, progress continues - slowly, but surely. When black smoke appeared yesterday at Daiichi nuclear plant, workers were evacuated, but today work has resumed full-force, so the situation continues to change rapidly. Lights have been turned on in at least one of the reactor control rooms (like where Homer Simpson sits), and water cooling continues while equipment is being repaired. Sadly, heard that 3 workers have been exposed to radiation exposure and two are hospitalized. We continue to watch & read NHK World for updates.

Yesterday, some Tokyo water systems were discovered to contain contaminated levels of tap water, but this level is risky only for infants, so the government is recommending use of bottled water for babies under 12 months of age, and is providing bottled water to affected homes with infants. Again, this is ONLY occurring in northern Japan and some areas near Tokyo (@128 miles from Fukushima). Radiation monitoring is ongoing, but of course citizens with small children are especially concerned.

Also, some leafy vegetables from the Fukushima area have been found to contain radiation, so all crops of leafy vegetables from this area have been destroyed. Farmers will be reimbursed for their lost crops, while ALL fresh foods are being tested for radiation exposure. We are not at all concerned here in Iwakuni, and will continue to buy & consume delicious, fresh produce and seafood from our local Japanese stores.

Of course the primary story here remains the ever-growing death toll (9,700) and the thousands still unaccounted for. Cold weather continues in this area, which makes it so much more difficult for evacuees, although more and more areas are receiving needed supplies to ease life for evacuees.

I saw on TV where a group of students had arrived in one of the shelters to provide neck, back and arm massages to the elderly, who were very grateful. These upbeat stories really help to balance the extreme sadness in Japan. As always, thanks for your continued concern and words of encouragement. It helps.