Some of the Sendai Quake Statistics Thus Far: Passenger-full Planes and Boats Swept Away to Seas

Power outages exist all throughout Japan

Passenger planes washed away

Boats full of passengers swept to seas

Millions of people are stranded on the streets and roads that were not washed away

Nuclear scientists are watching the nuclear power plants as the plants were shut down

The quake lasted 5 minutes.  It built in intensity after every minute

300 confirmed deads in Sendai

Tsunami waves can travel 700 miles per hour

50 aftershocks have occurred thus far, measuring 6.0 magnitude.  They are major quakes themselves

Hundreds of villages got swamped and swept away.  Rescue teams will start searching for survivors

Updates:  The US is sending cooling waters to the Nuclear Reactors.  The prime minister is saying that things are stable at this time at the plants.   Scientists are working on the main back up system to make it operational once more to avoid any catastrophe.

Ready to Serve and Help Japan: American Instructor at Japan's Yamanashi University Uses Vacation Time to Serve

Hats off to Mr. Germann for using his time to help the people of Japan among whom he has lived for the past 16 years!  Since he knows Japan very well, he may be an important contact for you as you are getting ready to volunteer in the country.  He may be able to provide you with important field info. 

Here is his info: jsgermann@yahoo.com

"

I'm an American living here in Japan for the last 16 years.  I am healthy and ready to offer my help in the affected areas.  As I am an instructor at a university in Yamanashi, I will be off for two weeks starting Saturday.  Japan is my home too and I want to help my countrymen.

John S. Germann"