Typhoons, floods and earthquakes may not be new phenomena to that part of the world, but some of the footage that dominated last year's news - and still does - damn sure makes me glad I live in Europe. News today tells of a 6.8 magnitude earthquake off Japan's Izu islands, and Christchurch, New Zealand hit by 17 smaller quakes in 18 hours.
So, what happens after? How can we help? If you know a site or phone number where we can donate, volunteer or anything useful... please share?
What is the forecast for 2012? The nuclear meltdown following the Japan tsunami early last year really grabbed the world's attention, but otherwise, are these devastating weather conditions any worse than usual? Goodstuff in particular, with your sailing experience in the region, or indeed anyone here with any specialist maritime knowledge, meteorology etc, are you able to tell us anything more? Websites of relief efforts? Local news?
Great collection of links, news, concerns about nuclear fallout etc here
Questions ... 1) How do I know that any money I donate will get to those who need it?
2) It doesn't affect me, why should I help? Nobody helps my country...
3) It's mother nature, what can we do about it?
4) What is the danger of radiation reaching the US?
5) Is my church organising anything that could make a difference?
6) Haven't we got enough financial problems of our own?
"They don't mind the procrastination; they say 'we'll kill them off, then go there for a holiday' "
~ Anon.
Those in the United States of course had their fair share of freak weather in the last year, and many on the west coast and Pacific outlying islands may even be concerned about nuclear fallout... I'll let you guys fill in the gaps here. What's the state of the relief effort in Alabama?
AntwortenLöschenOne responder, ethansdad54, not a contact of mine, replied on my own page, where I linked this:
AntwortenLöschen"I'd send them a brochure showing them where they should have been living."
Maybe it's just me, but I find that heartless in the extreme. I've even posted some common objections and FAQs regarding donation to charity, at the foot of this post... but I do hope most here are more polite than to actually mock those who have been affected by these weather events. It's a good example of the greed and apathy that exists in our [western] culture, even among the 'Christians'. I expected it, really.
I'm looking like I'll be out of work within the week... money will get tight in the coming month. I still recognise that many in SE Asia are far worse off than I am... even Japan, a plenty wealthy nation, I can't look at images like these and not feel a desire to help those in need. So, I will help a little where I can. In fact, with the job applications I'm sending out, a few charities are among them. Don't wait for 'someone else to do it'... get involved. I have f' all, still give what I can.
So... if anyone else has any witty remarks about these events which have killed thousands and displaced thousands more, please... do the decent thing and keep it to yourself. It proves nothing except how much of an asshole you are.
http://www.bom.gov.au/tsunami/assessments/index.shtml
AntwortenLöschenAustralian Govt page for Pacific Tsunami Capacity Assessment Project, with link to real-time tsunami warning centre, based in Hawaii.
http://earthsky.org/water/debris-from-2011-japan-earthquake-to-reach-hawaii-soon
AntwortenLöschenhttp://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/12010203-e.html
AntwortenLöschenTEPCO Press release, Jan 02, 2012 on status of Fukushima nuclear power station
Thanks for the post.
AntwortenLöschenhttp://www.custofres.com/article.php?id=1325551448
AntwortenLöschenhttp://rmp-nmr.org
Sendong relief posts, c/o two of our members. Thanks Pia and Custodian.
My impression is that the Japanese have largely got the reactor under control. There were some alarmist stories in the press, but it seems the situation not quite as dire as it seems. Even so, the area surrounding the reactor will be off-limits for the duration.
AntwortenLöschenOur insurance premiums are likely to rise yet again....
AntwortenLöschenhttp://www.news.com.au/money/cost-of-living/more-extreme-weather-on-australias-radar/story-fnagkbpv-1226236365976