A personal account of tragedies in Japan
As we’re closely watching tragic events unfold in Japan, we wanted to share news we’ve received from a Tokyo-based expatriate who is close to us. We’ve left the account anonymous.
March 14: Things are too crazy right now. I’m still in Hong Kong and not sure what my flight schedule will be. There are power cuts in various areas. Many strong aftershocks, limited food supplies (as seen in the image from a Tokyo market below) and serious worries about radiation now. If it rains, there may be radiation particles hitting Tokyo tomorrow. People are trying to stay inside. My partner is now getting worried and he’s usually very laid back.
Issei Kato/Reuters
March 15: I’m still in HK. Not advisable to head back to Tokyo yet…all of my projects in Tokyo are getting postponed. Expats are leaving for the US, Europe, and some going closer to Taiwan. The international schools are closed for the next two weeks. People are pretty worried. There was just another strong earthquake in Tokyo about 30 minutes ago.
March 16: I keep hearing so many stories from my family and friends. The situation keeps getting worse – more earthquakes (a strong one just an hour ago) and serious radiation worries. Food and supplies are getting more and more difficult to find in Tokyo. Some expats are flying out of Japan.
One US couple I know took a flight to Taipei this morning and will stay there until things become more stable in Japan. Other expats are leaving too, to the US, Europe, and Asia. Some are still working and staying put for now. Some Japanese wives and their children are heading to the much safer Osaka area while their husbands stay working in Tokyo. My partner’s office is running with half staff and rotation shifts like many companies are doing right now. Some people in smaller companies are working from home. Not all transportation is back to normal yet, especially in the Tokyo suburbs. There may be power cuts, but that hasn’t happened in central Tokyo yet. Nobody knows what will happen next. People say Tokyo is quiet and calm, more silent than usual.
If you have any first-hand experiences to relate, or any comments you’d like to make, please do so in the comment area below. Our thoughts our with everyone in Japan.
