• Subscribe by Email

  • Archived Posts

Japan: earthquake, tsunami, nuclear warnings…and now snow

Posted on March 17th, 2011 by Kate Meier
Below is a first person account from Nan Buzard, senior director of international response and programs with the American Red Cross, shared via email yesterday – three days into her week-long mission in Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. She is serving with a seven-person international team designed to support and advise the Japanese Red Cross, which continues to assist the government in its response.
 
(Today we visited) Otsuchi – a northern seaside town of 17,500 nestled between a large bay and forested hills. Now with thousands missing, 242 confirmed dead and over 6,700 evacuated. The mayor and many of the local civil servants were lost, and we spoke with Hiarno Koso, the deputy town administrator.
 
   

Nan in Otsuchi 

He was doing a heroic job but was clearly overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, repeating that for all their tsunami planning they never imagined something of this scale – with a wall of water racing past the tsunami evacuation signs that were thought to be sufficient. 

We saw two of the six established (evacuation) centers, both in public schools. One was perched on a hill with sweeping views across a now empty flooded expanse littered with smashed houses – and beyond that a bay still full of flotsam. We walked up streets with homes untouched on one side and gutted on the other. That is how it is everywhere – a line where the wave reached and then it stopped.  

The centers are cold with hundreds gathered in the gymnasium, a small kerosene heater no match against the big room. Many of the evacuees we saw were elderly and you could see the shock and exhaustion on their faces. The first few days people had one rice ball a day, then two and now, on the 6th day, are eating three meals a day. But without fuel and stoves there is no heat, and I hate to think how miserable it will be when night comes. No electricity means no water though there were some buckets for minimal washing. 

There are some doctors and nurses from the town as well as some Japanese Red Cross mobile clinics but medicines for chronic disease are running out. But people receive our visit with enormous graciousness.   

For some of the youngest patients, who may be particularly vulnerable, special care must be provided, however warm skin and a kind voice, together with a watchful eye can go a long way to ensure a speedy recovery.

The scale of the damage is staggering. Cars are perched in trees and bent against bridge railings as if with a broken back. Boats are tossed across roads and a huge freighter is thrown halfway onto land. Apartment buildings miles inland have fourth floor windows swept away. Twisted metal beams and huge piles of splintered wood are everywhere. The air smells of dead fish and probably dead bodies, and the stink of the fires from the floating infernos – which scorched the hills – has permeated our clothes. 

 Every available space throughout the hospital is being used to cater and care for those in need of medical assistance. 

There is no question that the enormity of the situation would challenge any government. Hundreds of towns and villages are destroyed and thousands upon thousands of people have lost homes. 

Koso did not know what would become of all those in his care. For sure the schools would postpone opening on April 6 but the gymnasiums are not tenable for the months and years it will take to rebuild. Where they will live while the enormous task of rebuilding takes place was beyond his imagination – and he was not sure how many would want to stay anyway in the place that had seemed so safe and was now so full of loss and grief. 

And as we left snow began to fall on the silent town. (We’re) now in the car on the way back to Tokyo, and we are once again talking about the failed nuclear reactor. Apparently in addition to the contaminated houses, the farmland is too – so many additional lives and livelihoods are affected by this earthquake. 

Nan and the rest of the international advisory group will continue to update us as they can. To learn more about the Japanese Red Cross response and the people being helped, visit our Disaster Online Newsroom.

Filed under: Disaster Response, International

« »

30 Responses to “Japan: earthquake, tsunami, nuclear warnings…and now snow”

  1. Jony Allen, on March 17th, 2011 at 8:57 am Said:

    I feel terrible about the situation in Japan. Like many other people on here, I would like to open my home up to a Japanese family and their pet(s) if that becomes a possibility. I live on 10 acres near Minneapolis, MN and would be happy to let them stay for as long as they needed. I was in the Navy and was fortunate to be able to visit Japan for a few short days but the people I met were incredible. It’s hard to stand back and watch all this unfold so I would like to do what I can to help.

  2. TOM, on March 17th, 2011 at 8:58 am Said:

    TO ALL MY RED CROSS FRIENDS AND VOLUNTEERS LOOKS AS IF YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AS WILL KEEP THOSE THAT NEED ITO GET IN TOUCH WITH THERE LOVED ONES OVER THERE INFORMED AS WELL… ALL THE BEST TOM VOL CASEWORKER FORT CARSON CO.

  3. Richard FRADIN, on March 17th, 2011 at 1:01 pm Said:

    You’re doing a great job, Nan.

    If not physically, we are with you and the Japanese people by our thoughts.

    Richard, French ERU

  4. Martha Carlos, on March 17th, 2011 at 1:54 pm Said:

    Feel free to contact the Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/supplier to offer your product. Thank you for your interest and concern.

  5. Martha Carlos, on March 17th, 2011 at 1:56 pm Said:

    Thanks so much Jony. You are so generous to offer your home. We have not heard of a need to host people from Japan in the U.S. but it’s heartwarming to know that people like you are so selfless and willing to help.

  6. Lady, on March 17th, 2011 at 2:40 pm Said:

    Where I can get 728×90 banner what I want place to my website to help Japan. I saw similar banner what asking to donate Japan in few website with link directly to this page:

    https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052

    I think all websites must place this banner.

    Thanks

  7. Amy Papageorges, on March 17th, 2011 at 2:51 pm Said:

    I work for Blood Services in Long Beach, CA. My heart swells with pride to see what the ARC is doing to help the people of Japan. In such a time of loss and sorrow, I am prouder than ever to work for such an amazing organization! It is times like these that really bring home what we do. Keep up the great work!

  8. Martha Carlos, on March 17th, 2011 at 3:12 pm Said:

    Thank you for asking and for your interest in putting a banner on your web site to support Japan relief. You can get the web banners here http://www.redcross.org/webbanners/tsunami

  9. Lady, on March 17th, 2011 at 3:20 pm Said:

    Martha Carlos, thanks for fast replay, I put this banner in my blog and email link to friends.

    Thanks!

  10. Martha Carlos, on March 17th, 2011 at 3:26 pm Said:

    Thank you for helping to spread the word about how people can help.

  11. Winnie, on March 17th, 2011 at 6:51 pm Said:

    Thank you, Nan. Tell the Japanese we are holding them in our hearts. Be safe and present.

  12. Judy Beck, on March 17th, 2011 at 7:30 pm Said:

    To all of my Red Cross friends and volunteers in Japan – keep up the wonderful work that you are doing. We will do all we can here in Santa Monica CA to help raise the money to bring you some relief. You are all in our prayers…

  13. Stace Pagel, on March 17th, 2011 at 8:08 pm Said:

    I am a cubmaster with Pack 445 in Friendswood, TX. Our Japanese friends say they are fine, and I do believe that’s what the government is telling them, as far as the radioactivity goes.

    Area Scouts are gathering supplies, and consumables to help the devistation become more bareable. Problem is, I’m having trouble shipping. We are not rich, and have LOTS of stuff. Blankets, coats, consumeables, clothing, ect. Does anyone know of a way around the shipping costs? Red Cross can only donate money… as does Salvation Army. I’m waiting to hear back from the Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy. All ideas would be appreciated.

  14. Lynn, on March 17th, 2011 at 8:50 pm Said:

    Thank you so much for your efforts and bravery in going over there! I thought going through “Katrina” was rough in MS., but this is so much worse! Through it all I learned much about the giving heart and loving human spirit!

    How the Japanese people are handling this is admirable! My aches for their losses and trauma that is to continue within the disasters of the disaster!

    I urge everyone to do volunteer work and for the American Red Cross for your own local chapter! I am because it is my way to give back the aid I received after I came home to a home and job which were both devastated by the water, wind and tornadoes which followed!

    Wake up! It could happen to you or one of your family members! Disasters do not discriminate! Whether it be weather or man-made created, such as an accidental forest fire etc., you just don’t ever know! Give from your heart or donate! The American Red Cross, locally, nationally and internationally does give back!

  15. Daphne Hart, on March 17th, 2011 at 9:54 pm Said:

    Thanks for encouraging people to volunteer and get prepared, and for your compassion, Lynn!

  16. Daphne Hart, on March 17th, 2011 at 9:55 pm Said:

    Thanks so much for your support, and for caring so much about our neighbors around the world!

  17. Sandra Bullock Donates $1 Million For Earthquake and Tsunami Relief To The Red Cross, How You Can Help | Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact, on March 17th, 2011 at 10:58 pm Said:

    [...]  For a first hand account of what’s happening on the ground in Japan, read Nan Buzard’s account.  Buzard is a senior director of international response and programs with the American Red [...]

  18. Luma Alo, on March 18th, 2011 at 12:54 am Said:

    man. that’s just so sad that in what happened. All my prayers go out to Japan <3

  19. sachin, on March 18th, 2011 at 4:42 am Said:

    Thanks for all your help go Japneese people, we are with you not physically but econmically we are trying to contribut towards your efforts by donating money to redcross society. as much as possible for us.

    Thanks & Regards
    Sachin

  20. marian uriarte, on March 18th, 2011 at 10:14 am Said:

    to all our fellowmenesp. the Japanese people, this kind of disaster should bring us together and help the unfortunate,the victims of a disaster, we will pray that God will help you all,to mitigate the enormosity of this disaster.

  21. Dalla Croce Rossa Usa la testimonianza dell’emergenza soccorso | Indipedia – Indipendenti nella rete, on March 18th, 2011 at 11:31 am Said:

    [...] | Red Cross Blog Foto | Red Cross Flickr, Blog Red [...]

  22. Daryl Fatherree, on March 18th, 2011 at 12:42 pm Said:

    My heart goes out to the people of Japan. Watching that disaster unfold reminds me of Hurricane Katrina and the devastation there. I would like to know if there is a way to contribute thru Bank of America directly. I know that in this economy, times are tough for everybody, including me and my family as well, but I am compelled to contribute what I can to help, and am glad the Bank will match what I give.

  23. Lynette Nyman, on March 18th, 2011 at 4:38 pm Said:

    The best thing for you to do right now is to check with Bank of America. Otherwise, please consider making a secure online donation via redcross.org. Thank you!

  24. Karmen, on March 18th, 2011 at 5:23 pm Said:

    I would love to find a way to help. Is there any chance the Red Cross could use this photo I took of Californian’s looking towards Japan, perhaps on a poster or a tshirt or anything that could be sold to show the rest of the world watching and trying to help? http://www.flickr.com/photos/karmenrose/5524679583/

  25. Karmen, on March 18th, 2011 at 5:56 pm Said:

    Is there a timeline for emergency actions in a situation like this that the Red Cross has for people to follow?

  26. Samantha McCain, on March 18th, 2011 at 9:19 pm Said:

    Hi Karmen!

    Unfortunately, disasters happen everyday. It is our hope that we can spread the word of preparedness before the disasters occur. Please see our list of preparedness tips on http://www.redcross.org/prepare.

    Thanks,
    Sam

  27. holichaxor, on March 19th, 2011 at 1:36 am Said:

    Japan is still grieving

  28. Kim Clarke, on March 19th, 2011 at 1:18 pm Said:

    Sending my thoughts, prayers and love to the people of Japan and the amazing volunteers that are helping them. I am so grateful to live among people who give so much of themselves for others.

  29. Nicki, on March 24th, 2011 at 10:14 am Said:

    I think that its sad that the Red Cross has a picture of a baby bottle feeding on its website. The best way to protect babies in natural disasters/emergencies is to promote, support, and protect breastfeeding. I know that its not a possibility for some mothers, and that some mothers may be missing, and the only option is to bottle feed. Breastfeeding is the norm. It can protect against many diseases, especially those associated with poor water quality/supply. Also, Japan has high breastfeeding rates and that should be what the Red Cross is focusing on. The Red Cross is doing an amazing job trying to help those affected, I was just disappointed to see bottle-feeding on its website.

  30. elisa, on April 3rd, 2011 at 1:36 am Said:

    Everyone sends the deepest prayers to Japan. The U.S. public has donated 120 million dollars in aid. I researched the Red Cross website to learn what is actually going on in terms of disaster relief aid. The only specifics I could find were of an increase in food offered , while heat is still needed in a school acting as a shelter housing many older people. Can you please post what specifically is being done to help people in their immediate needs of heat, food, water and medicine?
    I simply do not understand with all of our modern resources and the money available why neccesary resources are not being drop lifted to these places? It would be very helpful and supportive in many ways to offer this to your American Supporters and to link up with a translation of how the Japanese Red Cross is responding so we can better understand. In this technological age, people want to see how help is being given and that it is being given. We want to be able to proudly know what we support and why. Many Thanks for all the aid you have offered to our dear family in Japan. May all their needs be met quickly and may we all continue to help make this a better world together.

Leave a Reply

We encourage you to comment on this blog. All viewpoints are welcome, but please be constructive. We reserve the right to make editorial decisions regarding submitted comments, including but not limited to removal of comments. The comments are moderated, so you may have to be a tiny bit patient in waiting to see them. We will review and post them as promptly as possible during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 5:30).