The nuclear evacuation zone expanded to 20 km. People have been going to safe houses and have been given iodine in case of radiation. Though we are being assured that it is still not at levels that will imperil humans.
A second reactor has started to have cooling issues. They released steam in the air to lower the pressure as well. Both reactors are planning to be cooled with seawater and boric acid. We have been assured that this is the best and safest method considering the circumstances.
There will be the chance of periodic blackouts throughout the country, but especially in Tokyo in order to donate more power to managing both the reactors and the relief efforts.
According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, there is a 70% chance of an M7 earthquake in the next 3 days.
Relief efforts are going well.
I'm really wishing I could go participate in relief efforts, but right now all roads are closed with the exception of to emergency vehicles. The Japanese Special Defense Forces (SDF) have been deployed, and other countries have also donated people and help to the cause. For now, all we can do is donate.
Everyone I know here is safe. I thank everyone again for their concern and I ask you to keep everyone, especially those in northern Japan in their thoughts.
Michelle
Glad you are safe Michelle. Thanks for the updates. CNN has picked up a live stream of NHK World English language feed for friends and family that do not speak Japanese. The link is http://www.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=stream3&hpt=C2
ReplyDeleteBobby Caldwell
Thanks Dr. Caldwell. They have the feed online on the NHK site as well. I'd recommend checking it out. For now, the Japanese stream has been the most reliable, so I'll continue to look at that.
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