From the New York Times:
Japan faced mounting humanitarian and nuclear emergencies Sunday as the death toll climbed astronomically, partial meltdowns occurred at two crippled plants and cooling problems struck four more reactors. Military units and civilian search-and-rescue teams continued their grim and grinding work in the aftermath of the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck the nation’s northern Pacific coast Friday.
In one town alone, the port of Minamisanriku, a senior police official said the number of dead would “certainly be more than 10,000.” That number is certain to climb as searchers began to reach coastal villages that had essentially vanished under the first muddy surge of the tsunami. The government ordered 100,000 troops into relief roles in the field — nearly half the country’s active military force and the largest mobilization in postwar Japan. An American naval strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan also arrived off Japan on Sunday to help with refueling, supply and rescue duties.
Help if you can: Episcopal Relief and Development.
Compassionate God, whose Son Jesus wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus: Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
-- On the Occasion of a Disaster, Holy Women, Holy Men, p. 733
Boggles the mind/hurts the heart. Prayers ascending!
ReplyDelete[Wonder what this will do to the renewed push for nuclear energy here? (Says JCF who grew up---in earthquake prone California---in the shadow of "Three Mile Island's Twin", Rancho Seco (long since closed now)]
I posted the ERD link on my blog along with Red Cross links.
ReplyDeletePrayers for Japan from me.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! I come home to learn that the entire island of Japan may have shifted 8 or more feet. And the situation at the nuclear power plant is critical!
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, with all the devastation, the people here are just getting on with life. It is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhen I check out the headlines from back home, they freak me out.
Continuing prayers for those in need are so appreciated.
Catherine, I posted again on the devastation in Japan and included a prayer and suggestions for donations to organizations which are helping in the wake of the disaster.
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