The Disaster in Japan

I won't discuss the earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan last week too much. I just want to ask everyone to keep praying for Japan and to do whatever they can to help as Japan recovers. All of my friends from Japan are safe and their families are fine, but the loss of life from this disaster is breaking my heart. After visiting Japan, I learned how unbelievably kind and gracious the Japanese people treat others. I hope that the recovery is quick and healing can begin for the Japanese people.

For those who don't know, this earthquake was the largest in Japanese history, and is becoming one of the worst natural disasters in Japanese history. It is so devastating because it is a disaster that continues with more destruction. The earthquake and tsunami were so horrendous, but now the radiation from the damaged nuclear plants is becoming such a concern. The USA consulate has advised all US citizens in Japan to stay indoors and has chartered flights for US citizens who would like to leave. The radiation concern has moved from Japan to China and Korea.

This concern is understandable, but it isn't really a legitimate concern. Korea has been checking air quality in the areas closest to Japan, and they haven't found any nuclear radiation. The wind stream from Japan to Korea is at a high altitude, so the radiation disperses, making it less concentrated. By the time that air reaches Korea, it has safe amounts of radiation, like the radiation from the sun. No big deal. But, just like Americans, some Koreans are absolutely paranoid about the possible radiation, and have gone out and bought iodine tablets (which fight the side effects of nuclear radiation exposure.) This sensationalism hasn't reached Sinchang yet, but I think it will happen if the issues with the nuclear plants in Japan continue. I'm not too worried, but I will continue to check the US consulate news (which I do anyways, since we have one of the most hostile nations in the world 60 miles away), to make sure there isn't high concentrations of nuclear radiation.

Please keep praying for Japan.