We started the first week of our volunteer activities in the affected area with the exploration of the support truly needed from the local community. The following is the report by a volunteer member who joined us during this week.
(Where we went: Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture → Minami Sanriku-cho Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture → Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture → Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture → Ootuchi-cho, Kamihei-gun, Iwate Prefecture)
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Mr. K (Age 45, Tokyo Resident)
A thin line between life and death
Though I had seen the situation of disaster affected areas on television and in the photographs sent by my acquaintances, I was completely overwhelmed by the magnitude of the devastation that I saw in real life. Amongst others, it was hard to take in the surreal scenery split between unharmed and totally destroyed areas by a slight difference of height, location etc. I cannot say it is appropriate to call it "a fate".
Especially, the view of Kamaishi city left me with the strongest impression. Unlike other fishery villages or residential areas near the coast, the city somehow retained its original features. However, it looked as if almost everything had been blasted off by air-raid.
Support as it should be
After witnessing the terrible situation in various areas, I contemplated what I could do as an individual. However, at this moment when I am writing this report, I have not come up with an idea of any noticeable support which will become necessary following the current disaster relief campaign (11th April, 2011). I think that accomplishing a given task at one's company more sincerely and wholeheartedly than ever will ultimately lead to support for the disaster areas. As I am working as a personnel officer, I would like to become proactive in the recruitment and employment of earthquake and tsunami victims.
Future Restoration
The recovery of Tohoku will start with restoration of the infrastructure which is advancing daily depending on each area's circumstances. However, even to my untrained eye, it is evident the process will take at least 5 or even 10 years. The other day, on an NHK TV programme, Mr. Kousuke Motani (Counselor, Development Bank of Japan) declared, "There is no reason that Sanriku, with undamaged marine resources, will not revive". I was very impressed by this firm statement. In my opinion, the key question is who will draw the grand design that does not reflect politicians' power interests but truly focuses on the people.
This blog will post the reports by volunteers who joined Rentai Tohoku disaster relief activities.
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