Japanese Tragedy

This past week, on Friday, March 11th, tragedy struck Japan when it was rattled by an 8.9-9.0 (magnitude is being debated) earthquake. The earthquake preceded a tsunami that hit no more than 30 minutes after the powerful quake. The initial wave of the tsunami was reported to be about 10 meters high and caused much devastation in the already imperiled city.

The earthquake and tsunami caused major technical difficulties in some of Japan's nuclear plants. After the violent shaking a backup generator failed and caused the plant to keep running without anything to cool it down; not even the most adept engineers can find a way to shutdown the reactors in time. There seems to be no way to decelerate the radioactive pressurebuilding up within the plants, but it is crucial that some pressure is released in order to preventyet another disastrous explosion. The main concern having to do with the nuclear plants are the health repercussions that could affect the citizens if any radioactivity is leaked.

Meanwhile, the citizens—as well as residents—of Japan have been left with copious amounts of destruction and loss; most have had to leave their homes and have even lost loved ones in all the chaos. There is little room to house the victims who lots their homes, for capacious areas that were once suitable for housing people have been destroyed andare now bits and pieces of rubble.

The Japanese government cannot grapple this alone and other governments leave no room for banter when deciding whether or not to help Japan; the answer is clear, aid isbeing offered and sent to Japan from over 70 countries around the globe. Nations are currently deploying as many supplies and aid volunteers to Japan as they can. Hopefullythis will facilitate Japan's journey—on a long and winding road—to recovery and thedistressed and fitful lives of all Japanese citizens will be able to be at peace again soon.