The same somber feeling at work and the news still playing in the corner. We unplugged everything we could and only used minimal lighting and during sunny parts of the day, almost none at all. School lunch stops tomorrow. I have heard we are preparing the city gym for evacuees from Minami-Soma [with a lot of tsunami damage].
There were some new developments at Daiichi Power Plant as there was another explosion and more significant radiation levels were detected on-site.
The latest Power Plant update:
Reactors: 1 and 3 are stable, water is being supplied to 2. The radiation AT the front gate as of 3:30pm was 596.4 micro severts, which is no harm to humans. The fire has been put out at number 4. They are taking preventive measures for 5 and 6.
For those concerned about radiation, two graphs.
First, my location [45 min from AizuWakamatsu] :
Second, the radioactivity levels:
Keep in mind that the statistic of 400 is from the gates of the reactors... and I am 135km away. Also remember that the radioactivity at its highest only has a life of 8 days.
The only thing worrying me is the fact that the wind is blowing our direction now, instead of towards the sea [like it has been the past couple of days]. I have been careful to stay indoors and am using the food I have had in my house, as an extra precaution.
Wind directions: Wind directions for next 3 days in Fukushima:
English(by the hour): http://www.jma.go.jp/en/jikei/313.html
Evacuation Zone: Still listed as 20km from Power plants, but people within 30km have been told to stay indoors.
Travel Update:
Gas: Pretty much no gas/petrol anywhere in the entirety of Fukushima-ken. That includes my area. Some teachers haven't been able to make it in to work. Personally, I am on Empty. I was about to get gas when the initial earthquake hit, in fact. We have heard rumors that if you que up at 5:30AM that there is a chance of rations, so we may do that tomorrow and/or the next day. I would just feel better if I had enough gas to get around. Rich got half a tank on Saturday but since he has been driving out to Kitakata [about a 20 minute drive] he is running lower than we would like.
Roads: All roads seem to be ok at this point, the only hold-ups seem to be on the way to Tokyo.
Buses: Seems buses are running 4 a day to Niigata. Niigata has an airport and also runs the bullet train all over Japan. Niigata buses are also running to Kanto and Kansai [areas in the South].
Trains: None running from Kitakata or AizuWakamatsu. Niigata trains and Shinkansens running.
Gas Power etc Update:
Water: I have plenty with no notice / fear of any shortage. They are still out in Fukushima, Koriyama and anywhere east of that.
Power: I have plenty and the rolling blackouts over populated areas of Tokyo [instituted so power could be rerouted where its needed] have stopped because the Japanese population has done such a good job of conserving on their own [Let's take a minute to appreciate that wonder!]
Earthquake Update:
Still lots of aftershocks. Last night we were woken up by earthquake alarms and one aftershock. There was one at school another one a little while ago. While they said there is a chance of another larger quake, the chances drop significantly tomorrow.
Me Update:
Rich has been staying with me so that has helped a lot with my nerves over the aftershocks. He is calm and collected, as always. Danny and Brian have also been around with their optimism. Just in case, we have emergency bags packed and in the car. Also, my friends [especially Kay] have all been messaging and talking with me so thats been great. Lots of people have emailed from the states and that has made me feel so loved. Spirits are high, in Kitakata at least.
Hope that answers most of your questions. True, there are many ALTs leaving the area but I find that completely unnecessary and a waste of our precious holiday leave. My school is still up and operating so I will be going to work as usual. I am saving my holiday leave for travel with my Mom, Vietnam and Greg/Marie's visits! :)
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