Questions?

Judging by the feedback to my last post, it seems like there’s a fair amount of interest in what I’m doing and what it’s like here in the disaster zone. It’s hard to summarize my experiences and observations, but I was thinking I could get more information out if people asked me questions.

So, if there’s anything you’d like to hear more about, leave a question in the comments below. I’ll follow up with answers in another post. Questions can be about my specific experiences, or general questions about the conditions in the disaster area, as long as they are fairly specific.

13 thoughts on “Questions?”

Question:

How has your time in solitude in the mountains influenced your decision to go and your presence there?

What’s the infrastructure like? I saw an arterial road get repaired/repaved VERY quickly, but I figure that’s not the norm. And how are you getting your basics (water, food, shelter)? I figure you’ve got the shelter thing knocked, but how are the other day-to-day necessities getting to you?

How are the survivors doing psychologically? Is there any help in this regard? There are possibly cultural differences of which we aren’t aware – such as the Japanese people being very resilient or fatalistic.

I remember seeing a TV show that was centered around the immense preparations that the Japanese take in order to minimize the effects of a tsunami. But this earthquake and resulting tsunami seem to have overpowered the tsunami walls. I guess my questions center on how the people are dealing with the fact that all their preparations were for naught.

I’m following your posts with great interest.

I’m curious if you’ve seen any looting or stealing in the wake of the disaster. I lived through several hurricanes in the gulf coast and there was always some of that going on during the evacuation and subsequent clean-up.

Your blog has been a fascinating glimpse into the disaster. Thank you.

Ryo, my question would be about the total devastation you’re witnessing. It just seems so overwhelming. How do you deal with that, and how long for Japan to get back on their collective feet?

It really doesn’t matter if you answer my question. What’s I appreciate is your first hand account and honesty. You have nothing to bring to the game except how you see it, and for me, that is pure journalism.

How is the local radiation and type of contamination being monitored and dealt with?

I read your comment regarding those who lost everything need your (volunteers) help the most, yet you felt there was little or nothing you could do for them. Have you come up with a solution or fix to that conundrum yet? I see all the rubble in the picture above, and I think hmmm with some re-milling a lot of that material could be reused. Bigger beams and boards cut smaller. Or small boards laminated into bigger beams. Metal and plastics to be recycled. Is anyone doing this? Could provide material for those who have lost everything to rebuild. Also, do they have “Tsunami insurance” in Japan? Or is it like insurance in the U.S. and considered an act of God and not insurable? Best of luck to you in all you do there.

There is a legend
in a tragic time
There is a hero
That save people
from danger
That cure their desperation
with HOPE
and build from scratch
with knowledge
…
God prepared you to lived in a condition that not every men can even think what to do
because… they only thinking
it’s just normal condition… nothing can happen so dramatic
God prepared you to live in two world
…
God send you…
for them… for your own people
Just like movie said…
you need them
and they need you
…
This is your turn
To build from pieces
Start everything from zero
…
start new society
start new family
happy forever
and happy ending
…
in a world that you build
with your hand

My question is how are YOU doing. We sometimes forget how traumatic it is for the people doing the helping. Seeing all the devastation, and the devastated people, knowing there is only so much you can do can take it’s toll. Just remember we are all concerned about you and this might be one good place to vent when the stress starts to get to you. We are here to listen.

1. What type of construction withstood the earthquake and tsunami? Likely nothing close to the coast, but further in you should start to see structures that are still standing.

2. All observations on utility infrastructure are appreciated. Electric, Water, Sewer, Thermal fuels

3. How are they providing water to you and the other relief workers? Do you have power in your lodging facility?

4. What is being communicated to the Japanese people regarding recovery, relief, planning, etc. How is the message sent to them?

5. Are you seeing anything spontaneous develop among the people? Entertainment? Work details? Child care sharing? Anything that wouldn’t happen under normal conditions?

THANK YOU!
Keep up the good work! Stay strong!