alexpgp | A note from the other side of the world...

I sent an email to an acquaintance (a former tenant, actually), who recently returned to live in Japan and resides near the west coast of Honshu, about 350–400 km from the recent 9.0 quake, asking if I could help in any way. I generally refrain from sending such inquiries, because the flip side of showing such concern is making it just a little harder for the recipient—who may be in the thick of things and too busy to read your email—to get at other messages that may be of vital importance. Still, in this instance, I felt compelled...

I received the following response:

[We] are OK and so are my family and friends.

Yesterday's first quake hit mainly on the other side of Japan island, Pacific Ocean side. It was not strong here but lasted so long that I had motion sickness. When it finally stopped, I turned the TV on. Huge tsunamis were swallowing boats, houses, roads, cars and most likely lives. It was really REALLY scary. Now I understand tsunami is more dangerous than earthquake itself. Then this early morning, just after 4:00 am, there was a big quake in this area. It woke me up....then, well.....I was so sleepy and tired that decided to go back to sleep.

Cats (from the land that never quakes) felt it badly. They now do not eat and hide in/under the bed. My little pink house was OK. Nothing was broken. I filled the bath tub with water in case another quake hits and water stops. I have enough cat food. Enough rice for me but no ice cream.
:(

I really feel sorry for the people in the cities that were damaged badly. It is still cold there. They have no house, no foods, no water, no power. I wonder how animals doing. They also worry about the nuclear power plants.

Thank you so much for your email. I am safe.

There are a number of different reliable ways to help. Find one.

Cheers...