Like we have been doing all this week, GaijinPot is scanning the Japanese and English language web for updates that we feel to be the most trustworthy and relevant. When we are confident that the info is correct, it will be updated here. Things may change according to ongoing events. If you have any additional information, feel free to add it in the comments or mail blog@gaijinpot.com.
Environmental Radiation Measurement Result
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has made public the information on Environmental Radiation Measurement Result in prefectures in Japan, together with a diagram entitled ”Radiation Exposure in Daily Life,” which describes relative doses from radiation sources.
British Embassy update
The British Embassy has updated its advice to British citizens living in Tokyo and nearby areas. They continue to say that the risk of radiation is low and are prioritizing chartered evacuation flights to Hong Kong for those directly effected by the tsunami.
Radiation level unchanged despite choppers dousing nuclear reactor
The radiation level remained unchanged at the troubled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant Thursday morning even after Self-Defense Force helicopters dropped tons of water onto the hardest-hit reactor there, Tokyo Electric Power Co said.
US starts evacuating some Americans out of Japan
The Obama administration has authorized the first evacuations of Americans out of Japan, and said it will charter aircraft to help U.S. citizens wishing to escape elevated radiation levels in the country.
Amid Shortages, a Surplus of Hope
A moving piece from Japanese writer Ryo Murakami.
What we know, and don’t know, about Japan’s reactors
In response to the confusion, speculation and apprehension surrounding the rapidly unfolding events at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the aftermath of last week’s earthquake and tsunami, a panel of MIT nuclear engineering, public health and risk assessment specialists convened…
Power outages
Reports coming in that due the low temperature in Japan, usage of heaters has significantly increased. As a result, from tonight rolling blackouts will now affect more of Tokyo.
(No confirmed source)
Earthquakes in Iwata
2 Earthquakes have just hit Iwata (1328).
Dog in Japan stays by the side of its ailing friend in the rubble
It’s a universal truth that dogs are man’s best friend, but they’re pretty darn loyal to their own as well. Case in point: this tear-inducing video, via the website Jezebel, showing a dog, shivering and disoriented, remaining loyally by the side of a stricken fellow canine amid the devastation of the Japanese tsunami.
Government updates
Despite the changes in US warnings, the Japanese government is so far not changing the evacuation zone beyond 30km. There were relatively few updates regarding the current nuclear situation. At this time, the government asks you to also think of the people in the northern regions currently going without food or warmth. A national system of donating clothes and other such goods is being established.
PM Kan has also acknowledged the assistance of the US and remains open to their advice.
Resources related to the 2011 Japan Crisis
While we are waiting for the government press conference to start, Google have updated their excellent crisis response page. They are providing the information regarding the disaster and damage with realtime updates.
Japan Prime Minister’s Office Begins English Twitter, To Inform Disaster Information
Prime Minister’s Office of Japan has just annouced that they opened an official Twitter account @JPN_PMO in English.
Economy
The yen has started morning trading by reaching an all-time, post-quake high against the dollar.
Information by Keitai
Smart phones have been an excellent resource for information during this time and we have already reported a number of times on the excellent Google Crisis Response page. However, those on Keitai’s can also access Google’s information – specific all an evacuation portal which could help you reach friends and loved ones in the tsunami and quake hit areas.
British nationals in Japan are advised to remain outside an 80km radius
As an additional precautionary measure, British nationals are advised to remain outside an 80km radius of the Fukushima nuclear facility. This is in line with the advice issued by the US Government to its citizens. We urge British nationals to observe the advice being given by Japanese authorities, including the 20km exclusion zone around the Fukushima facility and to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed and not to use ventilation if you are between 20km and 30km from the facility. If you are currently between 30km and 80km from the facility, we advise you to leave the area or take shelter indoors if you are unable to travel. For people within 80km of the Fukushima nuclear facility, please contact the Foreign Office Japan emergency hotline on +44 20 7008 0000 for further advice.
Foreign Media Reporting
The worldwide media coverage of Japan is becoming increasingly fanciful. The BBC, UK tabloids and CNN coming in for some harsh criticism. Remember not to get carried away with the media and to deal with facts on the ground.
US and UK governments have updated their advice to citizens
The US government is advising citizens living within an 80km radius of the Fukushima plant to evacuate or at the very least, take cover inside. The British government is advising people not to go North as it could hamper rescue efforts underway. British citizens in Tokyo have been asked to consider leaving, however their scientific advice is unchanged from yesterday at this time.
Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant
Three drops of water have now taken place over the no.3 reactor. TEPCO has reported that radiation levels did recede in the immediate area this morning and the JSDF has since begun its operation. The plan is to stop further hydrogen explosions.
Comments
Thank you for the constant updates about the latest situation in Japan. I recommend this site to my friends with families in Japan that are looking for reliable news updates. My thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people.