Well, it was a bit of a challenge getting here, but I’ve safely arrived in Higashi-Kurume, Tokyo. They are scheduling rotating blackouts throughout the city to conserve power, so some of the train lines were not operating. I got within a 2-hour walk or a 30-minute taxi ride, so I opted for the taxi, even though it was ridiculously expensive.
Before deciding to take the taxi, I was going to stop at a fast food joint for lunch, but the power was out and all the restaurants in the neighborhood were closed. Convenience stores were open but the shelves were almost empty.
The amazing thing is how safe and calm everything is in spite of the disruptions. If this were another country, there would be looting and rioting in the streets.
I’m working at CRASH’s command center, helping with communications. Basically we are trying to organize and mobilize the potentially thousands of volunteers that will helping with the relief efforts, and trying to ensure that the teams sent out into the affected areas are able to communicate with HQ. Lots of logistics to be worked out; lots of learning on the go. Please pray for things to go smoothly, especially as we have to continue working around power outages.
I’ll try to keep you posted. For more frequent, shorter updates you can follow my twitter feed.
(Mon. Mar. 14, 11:20 PM)