On March 11th, 2011 at approximately 2:45 in the afternoon a magnitude 9 earthquake struck off the Pacific Coast of Japan. This was the largest earthquake to ever hit Japan and the 3rd largest in the world since 1900. The earthquake caused a massive tsunami, which in turn caused the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Lessons are learned each time a major disaster hits. Pressing needs such as dealing with people who have lost homes, who need a place to stay, food, and water to survive the first 48 hours. Making sure that medical supplies can get in. That rescue efforts aren't hampered by the destruction of infrastructure. Then longer-term solutions such as temporary housing, rebuilding of schools, hospitals, and industry. One big change that occurred was the way relief is sent to affected areas. Before the local governments had to request aid, but in the March 11th disaster many local government buildings were destroyed meaning that there was no way to request aid. Now aid is sent without request, the central government will just send aid as soon as possible. This means that help arrives at the disaster area a lot faster.
Japan is a country that is prone to natural disasters. Every year there are earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and now wildfires! Every time a disaster hits I often wonder how do people survive, not just physically but emotionally or mentally. How do you pick yourself up and restart life?
I live at the opposite end of the country from where the March 11th earthquake hit. I actually didn't know it was happening until one of my students came to class crying. His father was in Tokyo and the family hadn't been able to contact him. I told the student not to worry, that Japan is used to these earthquakes and I'm sure his Dad was okay (he was but no cell reception for a few days). The student told me to check the TV, so I did. I was horrified at what I saw. The tsunami had already hit many places, houses were being tossed about like toy boats. Sendai Airport had water up to the walkways for the planes. The images were unreal!
As things calmed down, rescue squads were sent in to help with the recovery of bodies and the slim chance that they might find survivors. One of my students at that time was a firefighter. He was sent about a week after the disaster to help. I asked what it was like. He said that the images on the TV were very accurate but what got him was the smell. The whole area smelt like salt water mixed with decaying bodies of both people and animals. He said that even as a veteran firefighter he was freaked out by the absolute destruction.
As I watched this unfold on the TV my one thought was how do you start again? I've been fortunate to have never been in such a disaster. The closet we got was a few years later when a magnitude 7 hit just 3 hours drive from here.
The Japanese, as a people, have the mindset to "gambaru", to persevere, to keep going, and not give up. During the earthquake near here, I heard a reporter describe the Japanese as being very stoic. They accept what has happened, are glad to be alive, and know that they can rebuild. I think living in a country like Japan that is a good attitude to have.
Every year on the anniversary of the disaster there are reports from the area, showing how much as been rebuilt, how people are coping with life, accepting the grief of loss, both on a personal level but also as a community.
On the tenth anniversary, they had a special program interviewing people who rebuilt in an area where the tsunami was very bad. One family owned farming land, therefore they couldn't move away. They built a new house and restarted their farm business. When asked if she was afraid the mother of the family answered, "Yes, but I have no choice, this is our life here" That is the kind of attitude that most Japanese people have.
The idea of starting after loss stayed with me for a long time. I often thought about how I would cope and felt that I wouldn't do that well. Then in December 2012, I found out the hard way when Hisao suddenly passed away. I know that this was small compared to what people in the area went through. I lost my husband but still have my kids, friends, a place to live, and a business. A lot of those people lost everything. But loss is loss. I learned that inner strength comes when you need it. That somehow you find a way to get up every day and do what you have to. I learned that grief is overwhelming and it's better to embrace it instead of ignoring it. It doesn't go away, I still grieve for Hisao, but it becomes more manageable. I learned that just putting one foot in front of another each and every day gets you somewhere, maybe not the future you dreamed of but a new future that you can create. I learned to celebrate everything, from the smallest thing, such as the kids getting good scores on their tests or finding a cheaper supermarket to the big milestones of birthdays, graduations, and entrance ceremonies. To live a life that is full. Full of good friends and family, full of laughs and daftness, full of tears and frustration. That everything is precious, even the things we don't want. such as moving here, can be a life lesson.
Today I will say a prayer for those who died in that awful disaster. I will say a prayer for those who kept going, that their hearts can be eased and that they can find some kind of peace.
Sorry no photos today!
