4/11/11 Iwakuni Update

Today in Japan, it's been one month since the deadly 3/11/11 disaster. Observations were held around Japan in memory of the over 27,000 dead and still missing. Temple bells rang exactly at 2:46 and people cleaning up disaster areas stopped work and faced the sea for a moment of silent prayer.

As clean up work continues, many evacuees are moving into temporary housing, as more are being built. Many people have left their beloved, but destroyed hometowns to live with relatives in towns & cities all over Japan until they can find work and get back on their feet. Tediously slow progress continues to be achieved at the Daiichi nuclear power plant, but it IS being made, while major meltdown continues to be held at bay. Latest info regarding the nuclear plant can be found on NHK World - be sure to watch its streaming live video for news on the hour & some exciting shows about Japanese culture.

A friend sent this article about ancient tsunami warnings from Japanese ancestors. I hope you find it as interesting & intriguing as I did.

Another major earthquake aftershock occurred late this afternoon near Fukushima which registered over M6.6, and initially a tsunami warning was issued, but was soon canceled. There was also a M7.1 major quake last week which occurred in the middle of the night here (we did not feel it) but its announcement in US news upset our children. It's said to be unusual for such major aftershocks to continue for more than 30 days. We have felt NONE here in Iwakuni and life goes on as usual for us. But we remain saddened for those who are affected and whose lives will never be the same.

The cherry blossoms are always a welcome Spring sight, but more so THIS spring, so watch this space soon for more photos of Hanami at Iwakuni's Kintai Bridge. As always, thanks for reading and for letting me know!