After last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I reached out to a number of my local contacts to make sure they were safe.
Today I heard back from Eisei Saito who shared his 10 Do's and Don'ts on Tokyo recently.
With his team at Jesto they quickly put together a site offering practical information and useful links on the evolving crisis in English (mostly).
Named Japan TWOgether it covers the immediate actions after an Emergency including an illustrated guide on how to restart natural gas (most buildings have safety valves that shut off gas in case of emergencies to prevent leeks and explosions).
It also offers updates on transportation, Bus and Air Travel has details in English while Train info is Japanese only.
You can also find out when Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) rolling blackouts will take place.
Obviously they have a page on Nuclear Plant and Related Safety and Health Issues so residents can plan ahead.
Another section is dedicated to Useful Links from Prime Minister Office to Japan Meteorological Society who shares daily forecasts. The latest (dated March 17) is Increase of the risk of the submergence and flood during the spring tide associated with the ground sink caused by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake starting with period of March 18 to March 26, 2011.
On the positive side they compiled Heart Warming Messages from Japan and Around the World and note that "although Japan has been facing the greatest difficulties, one can catch a glimpse of Tasukeai (mutual help) or Gaman (endurance).
Regarding donations and help, since I am not an expert, I decided to share of suggestions I received from Elizabeth Andoh who I interviewed on Kansha last fall.
They are:
Japanese Red Cross
Doctors without Borders
International Medical Corps
I hope these tips prove useful to some of you and help soothe frazzled nerves.
A Week after the quake for Tokyo Thursdays # 183