Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Surviving

The scene in Otsuchi after the tsunami.
"The path was impassable with mud, water, and rubble so the firemen decided that we would go up the hill.  This is a very steep hill, almost vertical.  Several of our belongings were abandoned on the climb.  Finally, we dropped back down into the top of a small valley that opened onto the sea.  Every house in this hamlet had been destroyed.  We found a welcome fire and were offered rice and soup from the pot cooking over timbers pulled from the wreckage.  The generosity of the people cannot be overstated."--Scott West, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

I'm just going to jump right in...(highlighted fields are links)

The animals of Japan are victims as well.
Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support is a wonderful group of volunteers working in Japan to help displaced and injured animals.  The stress and suffering the citizens of Japan are experiencing is also being experienced by their companion animals.  There have been amazing stories of people choosing to stay with their animals instead of evacuating and leaving their companions behind.  Unfortunately, there are many animals who are without their families.  I would encourage all of you interested in helping the animals in the affected areas of Japan to make a donation to this organization.

Sea Shepherd crew trying to make their way out of town.
The Sea Shepherd volunteers, who were in Otsuchi when the earthquake and tsunami struck the town, returned home Monday.  Their first-hand accounts are both chilling and uplifting.  As more relief agencies begin to reach Otsuchi, they are realizing it's the hardest hit area.  I encourage everyone to read Cove Guardian Tarah Millen's blog, Sea Shepherd Taiji Campaign Coordinator  Scott West's report, and a commentary by Paul Watson.  The selflessness, compassion and assistance they received from the locals, many of whom had just witnessed their homes and businesses completely destroyed, is an example we can all learn from.  Fort Bragg, California is a sister-city of Otsuchi, and they have setup a fund to raise money that will go directly to relief efforts in Otsuchi.  I encourage all Cove Guardians and others to visit the Fort Bragg Otsuchi Exchange Program for more information on rescue and relief efforts.  You will quickly learn that these two towns share a very strong bond.

We still don't know the amount of radiation that's escaped the damaged reactors.  Knowing how Japanese government officials have downplayed high mercury levels in the dolphin and whale meat consumed by it's citizens, I'm concerned they'll also underestimate the effects of the radiation that's being released.  It'll be months, or even years, before the full effects are known.  It's scary to realize that whatever radiation escapes will end up in the soil and water.  Any contamination could become a public health hazard for generations.  But with that said, it's also the animals and sea life that will suffer.


Dolphin pens in Taiji Harbor February 15th.
Well to the south of Otsuchi, the dolphins of Taiji were also victims.  While the town received no damage from the tsunami, the water pushed into the harbor six times.  The fishermen made sure to take the banger boats out, but did nothing for the safety of the dolphins in the pens.  As the dolphins were pushed onto the rocks six times, their cries for help fell on deaf ears.  The fishermen made no attempts to set the dolphins free.  Some of the dolphins in those pens were dolphins that were captured and imprisoned during my time in Taiji, including juveniles and infants.  I have no kind words for the fishermen who turned their backs on other sentient beings as their boats passed right on by.  The dolphins were left to die, with no chance of swimming out to sea.  Makes you wonder what it will take for some people to have a change of heart in this life.   

So, what do we need to do?  It seems simple and understated, but it's imperative:

*Donate to relief organizations that are on the ground in the hardest hit areas.  

*Volunteer with organizations that are supporting relief efforts.  

*Inquire to any Japanese co-workers, neighbors, or groups that are dealing with being separated from their loved ones, and offer any support.  

*When the word goes out for more volunteers, seriously consider traveling to Japan and helping with rebuilding efforts.  

My thoughts and prayers are with the survivors in Otsuchi, and all the areas in Japan devastated by this disaster.  In their darkest hour, they have shown tremendous light.

Rob


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