The earthquake itself would have been bad enough, but the resulting tsunami did the most damage. I have heard that entire coastal cities were wiped out by the waves. Entire populations were swept away. In church today, one of the pastors told us an affiliate church was completely destroyed in the tsunami, and all of its congregation is missing. The potential death toll from the earthquake and tsunami is at least 10,000, a conservative estimate. In addition to the earthquake and numerous aftershocks large enough to be considered major earthquakes themselves, several nuclear plants have been damaged and one facility in Fukushima is experiencing radiation leaks and faces possible meltdown as a result of the earthquake damages.
I'm happy to report that I have heard back from nearly all of my friends in Japan, and most of them are located far away from the earthquake's epicenter and the northeast coast. I anxiously await news of two other friends I have not heard from, but I have reason to believe they are safe. I have been talking to friends in Tokyo and other cities, and I understand that many stores are selling out of essential supplies and food, gas is selling out, and now rolling blackouts will be instituted to offset the damages done to the nuclear plants. Tokyo is the world's largest city in terms of population, a city dependent on public transportation. It's an understatement to say this disruption of services will have a huge impact on the people there.
Obviously, this series of catastrophic events is a lot to deal with. Too much. But I believe the Japanese people will endure this disaster and emerge stronger as a result. Anyone who really knows me knows what Japan means to me, and what I admire about so many Japanese I have known is their tenacity, their positivity and determination. I wish I was as strong as them.
I always try to detach from massive events like this, things so terrible they seem unreal. They are almost too much to take in. But I had tears in my eyes as I watched news footage today and saw people suffering so much, saw how much destruction was done, and it really hit me because I feel like Japan is part of me. Many of the best people I have ever known were from Japan, and I think of all they taught me and have done for me, and I feel a kinship with them.
Japan is one of the largest economies in the world, with resources that countries like Haiti lacked when disasters of this sort struck them. People might think that a nation like Japan doesn't need help because it's a rich country prepared for disasters, but my feeling is this: If donating money can expedite aid to anybody who is suffering in this situation, it's worth it to me. If for no other reason, I want to help the people of Japan as a way of saying "I care about you."
I want to ask anyone who reads this post today to think about what Japan means to you. Think of how many products you use every day that were either developed in Japan or improved in Japan. Think of the influence of Japan on our culture, our entertainment, our technology. You might be surprised how many things now common here in the US had their roots in Japan. Think of a nation that was once a bitter enemy, and has now become one of our closest friends. I can speak from experience; the Japanese people I know love and care about the US. I hope we will show love to them and support them as the friends they are. For those who pray, please pray that all survivors will be located, that all injured will be cared for, that those who have lost loved ones will be comforted. Pray that the damage to the nuclear plants will be contained and repaired, that hazardous radiation will not become widespread. Pray that Japan will be spared further damage and loss of life from aftershocks and tsunamis. Pray for people who are facing shortages of water and supplies, shelter and transportation. As a Christian, I am praying that people will come to know Jesus through this tragedy, that they will the find peace and comfort He offers, even in terrible, unreal tragedies such as this. "Pray for Japan" has already become a catchphrase over the past few days, but it's something we can all do, and I believe it will yield amazing results.
If you are interested in donating to relief efforts in Japan, here are some links:
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
Save The Children
Network for Good
