TRIPLE WALLOP STRIKES JAPAN

By JESSAMYN CHIU, journalist
17th March, 2011

As the largest earthquake strikes Japan for more than a decade, the country’s unity is shattered. It triggers a series of catastrophes – a nuclear disaster, a 38 m high freak wave, and then probably the most devastating of all – a flood.

As the earthquake, scoring 8.9 on the Richter scale slammed into northern Japan, it left behind a trail of debris. One week later, an underwater reaction occurred, and the highest – and mightiest freak wave that people have ever seen in the history of humans swept over Japan. Broken houses, overturned cars, uprooted trees and rotten corpses floated on the water, along with a occasional person clinging to a log, waving for help.

The Japan government have already sent out rescue helicopters to save anyone trapped in a house or floating on the rapids, but the rescue scheme seems to have been delayed by the destruction of electricity generators and power lines in the area. So far, rescue helicopters have only saved thirty-two people over a course of five days into the rescue program. And if they don’t hurry, a lot of people, now still clinging to the hope that the waters will recede or someone to rescue them, will soon be dead, due to the lack of drinking water and dry food.

For people who have already been relocated to shelters, it may not spell luck and happiness. Shelters are badly stocked with emergency supplies, and it is already running out. Though many trucks have been sent, delivering stocks, but most of them never reach their destination. If they haven’t been swept away, then they are stuck in the mud with no way to move. Also, shelters are packed full of people, and more is to come. Sleeping bags have already been used up, and the laundry service is not enough for the 900 or so people sharing a tiny school hall away from the rapids. And spirits have not been lifted, for people weep all day, mourning for their lost relatives. Doctors are running out, and killers like malaria and Dengue Fever are spreading due to the humid conditions. Medical supplies are not to be mentioned, nor to say blankets in the freezing conditions.

For people who have not yet been relocated, it does spell doom and gloom. Without drinking water, dry food and medical supplies, their lives are reaching the end of the tunnel. Even for those in a safe place out of the flood’s harm, without power lines or supplies, lives will soon be lost if nothing is done.

Though people from all over the world is stretching out their helping hand, it is far by enough to lift the people’s spirits. Oh Lord, our Heavenly Father, may they receive blessings from You, so that they might survive this terrible disaster. Amen.