sobering

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Photographer: Jiji Press/AFP - Getty Images

You have the devastation faced by the people on one hand, and the threat of a nuclear crisis on the other. Like the flood in Pakistan last year, Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar in 2008, and the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, it felt so unreal walking about a busy street on a Sunday looking for a new washing machine while horror was a few hours away by plane.

Picture from nytimes

Comments

Angie said…
It's in difficult times like these that I put my priorities straight and get scared at how much egocentric my life is.I lose my temper and complain about meaningless things.I hope Japanese people find the courage and rise above the situation!As for neuclear power it's time that we find other types of clean energy!
2:46 PM
Anonymous said…
I was pretty horrified by this, especially since where I live (new zealand) there was just a few weeks ago an earthquake which killed more than 200 people and ruined one of the major cities.
3:36 PM
K. said…
Japan Tsunami Appeal by RedCross: http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal

I am afraid that the quake/tsunami/nuclear crisis in Japan is only the beginning of a long and torturous rebuilding process - and hope everyone will remain concerned and ready to help even after the media attention subdues.

My thoughts go to those who are affected by natural and manmade disasters.

p.s. Hope you are keeping well!
4:30 PM
Fleurette said…
I completely agree with K.
I haven't been able to think about anything else than this disaster, been stuck infront of the news channel all weekend.
5:22 PM
miss sophie said…
thank you for posting this - it was such a shock to wake up on Friday with the news and i've been emailing friends in Japan and those with family there. thankfully everyone's fine. looking for a way to give back this week via Red Cross or another organization...
11:38 PM
Aïssa said…
Words seem so meaningless for such a disaster and to think that it's not over adds even more puzzlement.
1:25 AM
Ammu said…
Terribly sad. Just awful. Praying for all those affected.
2:09 AM
S said…
Agreed with everyone, it's so sad and tragic but also has me in a bit of a panic, since I live in an area riddled with earthquakes as well. Suddenly I feel terribly unprepared for a natural disaster. This type of event makes you feel so small and powerless.
6:55 AM
Lindsay K said…
It's so tragic. I was listening to NPR all weekend and trying to make sense of it all. It's horrifying. I spent the weekend trying to get in touch with friends and former classmates who are there. Thank goodness everyone is OK.
11:21 AM
yanqin said…
angie: Yes, it's sobering since in SE Asia where I live, a lot of countries are aggressively pursuing nuclear and none of them have a safety record even close to Japan's.

Anon: I have a good friend living in Christchurch, and now more than ever I really feel so grateful she emerged unscathed. I hope haven't been directly affected too badly?

K: Thanks for link - funny how my local red cross on takes cheques submitted in person...

I think Japan being something of an economic power house (though one that has diminished in recent years) will always be in the radar more so than say, Pakistan, which was devastated by the flood last year - looking at what happened in Japan just feels overwhelming when that still feels fresh to me.

I'm very well by the way, thanks for asking! Hope you're doing well too!

Fleurette: I felt the same way. After some time I realised I really had to stop watching...we are the lucky ones who can switch off the telly!

miss sophie: Good to know your friends and family are fine!

Aissa, Ammu: Exactly.

S: I don't live near any plate boundaries or faults, but this is the first time I'm understanding what a nuclear meltdown could mean and that definitely woke me up. I suppose awareness is good for all of us.

Lindsay K: It must be such a relief to know that!
4:07 PM
Unknown said…
i think about it everyday!
6:23 AM
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