DFA-Filipinos in Japan safe so far

According to the DFA, no reports of Filipino deaths have been monitored so far. The Embassy in Tokyo has advised Filipinos in Fukushima to go to Police and Fire stations and try to contact the Embassy or Consulates and their relatives to advise of their status. Thirty Filipinos have so far been stranded in a hotel and they have reported this to the Embassy. Philippine Embassy staff have created a team that will go to the affected prefecture and determine first hand the status of Filipinos, many of whom are permanent residents of the area.

Access to Fukushima Prefecture, one of the hardest hit and Sendai City have been restricted due to the danger of another explosion in the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Roads have also been prioritized for use the military which has mobilized over 100,000 men to help in the rescue and recovery efforts currently being undertaken. Japanese authorities have warned their citizens and other residents to stay clear of the 20 to 50 mile wide danger zone surrounding the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Air rescue efforts have been hampered as the airport in Sendai and an adjacent airforce base were wiped out by the Tsunami that came after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit last Friday.

Discipline among the Japanese has been phenomenal despite the lack of food, potable water and the destruction that surrounded them. Food and water lines were orderly with none uttering any complaints. Authorities have however stated that the power shortage and the lack of access has been a challenge getting much needed supplies to the area. Helicopters have so far carried the brunt of the effort in providing much needed supplies and medical aid.

The majority of the population of Sendai City and surrounding towns have moved to higher ground for fear that the succeeding tremors would spawn another tsunami.

Massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake jolts Japan

An 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan today! The quake was felt at 2:46 pm Japan time off the coast of the island of Honshu. Seismic activity started as early as March 3 with several aftershocks following the initial 7.2 magnitude rocker that shook the area. 32 foot waves slammed the coast sweeping away cars, boats and homes along the coast. Hundreds are believed to have been lost, but as of this reporting, no exact figures have yet been provided.

Police in Miyagi prefecture where the earthquake occurred reported around 200 to 300 bodies were found in the city of Sendai. The Tsunami resulting from the massive quake also destroyed oil depots and threatened Nuclear Plants in Onagawa and Fukushima. A ship with around 100 passengers have also been reported lost. In Natori City, the earthquake sparked massive fires resulting from broken gas pipes. Houses near the Natori river have been burned with fires still raging.

The wave is expected to hit several islands in the Pacific and Alaskan islands. Warnings have already been issued by the US Geological Survey on the tsunami. It was reported that waves have already started to hit Hawaii and may also affect the Batanes Islands and Northern Philippines, Taiwan, Kamchatka in Russia and the Federation of Micronesia.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan reported that 4 Nuclear power plants located in the earthquake zone had been safely shut down and no radiation leaks have been detected. Miyagi Prefecture has been declared a disaster area. A nuclear emergency has been declared despite of the closures of the plants.

Tokyo also felt the massive quakes and aftershocks. Filipino worker Jeffrey Balanag told the BBC that he got stuck in the Shiodome Sumitomo skyscraper after all the elevators failed. Workers and residents have gathered in the Parks for fear of further aftershocks that may cause the collapse of some buildings.

Filipinos are advised to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Japan. Philvolcs has issued Tsunami warnings to all the Provinces with Pacific coastal areas.