Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Update Saturday, March 12, 2011

Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font.

Overview A powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Friday (March 11) at 1446 local time (0546 GMT), unleashing massive tsunami waves that crashed into Japan’s eastern coast of Honshu, the largest and main island of Japan, resulting in widespread damage and destruction. According to the Government of Japan (GoJ) as of Saturday (March 12), at least 464

1 people have been reported dead and some 725 people are reported to be missing, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported. The GoJ’s chief spokesperson said the death toll could exceed 1,000. Local media put the death toll closer to 1,300 people. As initial assessments come in it is expected that the death toll will rise due to the extensive devastation along the coastline and majority of the casualties are likely to be the result of the tsunami. The earthquake sparked widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific that stretched from Japan to North and South America. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the shallow quake struck at a depth of six miles (10 km) (20 km deep according to Japan’s Meteorological Agency), around 80 miles (125 km) off the eastern coast of Japan, and 240 miles (380 km) northeast of Tokyo. It was reportedly the largest recorded quake in Japan’s history and the fifth largest in the world since 1900. The quake was also felt in Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, located hundreds of miles from the epicenter and was also felt as far away as the Chinese capital Beijing, some 1,500 miles away. There have been at least 79 aftershocks recorded and 16 of them have been greater than 6.0 magnitude, including one recorded at 7.1 magnitude. According to the UN, the continuing aftershocks and tsunami are hampering rescue efforts. Up to 3 meter high waves reportedly continue to hit the coast. GoJ officials also ordered new evacuations in several coastal areas, sending residents to higher ground.

Earthquakes had affected the region recently, including a 7.3-magnitude quake Wednesday (March 9) that did not cause any damage. Japan’s worst previous quake was an 8.3 magnitude quake in 1923 that left some 143,000 dead. More recently, the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Kobe in 1995 left some 6,400 dead.

Key Concerns:

• Exposure to radiation is a key concern around the affected Fukushima nuclear power plant. The situation at the nuclear reactor Unit No. 1 at the Daiichi plant remains critical

• Transport ministry says all highways from Tokyo leading to affected areas were closed, except for emergency vehicles

• Some 300,000 people are in emergency shelters and are in need of additional food, water and blankets

• Some 5.6 million households in the Tohoku and Kanto regions are without electricity; More than 1 million households are reportedly without water. Mobile communications to affected areas are spotty

• Access to some impacted areas is a concern as large coastal areas have been submerged and villages washed away

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Impact The worst-affected areas are in northeastern Japan, close to the epicenter and tsunami impact areas in the Tohoku Region. Particularly hit hard are areas near the coastal city of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture in Tohoku, with a population of some 1 million people. Large coastal areas have been submerged and villages washed away. However, the level of destruction is not clear at this stage and it is likely to be some time before a clearer picture emerges. Damages have also been reported from the Kanto Region, which includes Chiba, near Tokyo.

The GoJ has mobilized some 50,000 troops from Japan’s Self Defense Forces, as well as planes and ships for the major emergency response operation. More than 300 planes and 40 ships are conducting airlifts and boat rescues.

Media reports say that around 300,000 people are seeking shelter in emergency shelters across the country. The number includes up to 90,000 evacuated from areas near a damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima. The shelters are reportedly short of blankets, water and food. Transport ministry says all highways from Tokyo leading to affected areas were closed. Tokyo police reported that more than 120,000 people in Tokyo were unable to return home on Friday (March 11).

There are unconfirmed media reports that say nearly 10,000 residents from the Japanese town of Minamisanriku, located in Miyagi prefecture, are missing. The town has an estimated total population of 17,000. There are also unconfirmed media reports that say officials had lost contact with four trains running along coastal lines Friday that had still not been located, MSNBC reported. Officials are unsure how many people were on board the trains.

The UN reports that more than 1,231 buildings have been destroyed and another 4,000 damaged. Kyodo news agency reported a lower number, reporting that the number of partially or completely destroyed buildings is at around 3,400. The UN reports that some 1,450 roads, eight railways and 22 bridges are damaged or washed away. Some 4.4 million households in Tohoku and 1.2 million in Kanto are reportedly without electricity. More than 1 million households are reportedly without water.

The number of fires in quake-affected areas totals over 200, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The UN reports that some 60 fires have been put out, but 148 fires are still burning out of control. According to ABC news, much of the town of Kesennuma in Miyagi prefecture, burned during the night, broadcaster NHK reported.

The tsunami that swept over Japan’s northeastern coast was reportedly as high as 33 feet at the port of Sendai city in Miyagi prefecture (state), Tohoku Region, one of the worst-hit areas. The coastal city and prefecture capital, is located some 180 miles (300 km) from Tokyo, and is home to some one million people. At least 200 to 300 bodies have been found so far in the city.

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The tsunami waves reached as far as six miles (10 km) inland in Miyagi. At least 60,000 to 70,000 people were evacuated to shelters in the Sendai area alone. The Sendai domestic airport was submerged, according to the UN. Dozens of fires have also been reported across the region. An explosion hit a petrochemical plant in Sendai while a huge fire swept through an oil refinery in Ichihara city in Chiba prefecture. OCHA’s Environmental Emergencies Section is monitoring the situation and says it can provide specialized assistance to help mitigate risks.

Strong tsunami waves also hit Fukushima prefecture, causing widespread damage to coastal communities. There are also reports that an irrigation dam had broken in Fukushima and some 1,800 houses may have been destroyed.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled and thousands were reportedly stranded at the major Narita and Haneda airports. Tens of thousands were also stranded in Tokyo after Japan’s rail network was shutdown. Train service in Tokyo and northeastern Japan normally serves around 10 million people a day. All ports were reportedly shutdown. As of 6 AM (March 12) Tokyo time, Tokyo/Haneda airport is reported open, but most flights are facing delays. Trains connecting the airport with central Tokyo are running, but buses are not yet running. Tokyo/Narita airport had opened as of 3:30 AM but not all flights were flying. Trains connecting Narita and central Tokyo were shut down for inspection. According to the UN, other major airports, including Nagoya, Niigata, Kobe International and Osaka international airports are open. Transport ministry says all highways from Tokyo leading to affected areas were closed, except for emergency vehicles. Sections of the Tokyo expressway serving northern Japan are damaged. The subway system had stopped during the earthquake as part of an automatic response. Trains in the Tohoku region are disrupted. (OCHA, March 12)

On Saturday (March 12), Japanese authorities doubled the evacuation zone from 6 miles to 12 miles around Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant (Unit 1 & 2) in Fukushima prefecture, following an explosion at one of the buildings at the plant’s Unit 1. It is not clear if the damaged building housed the reactor. Citing electric company officials, media reports say that four plant workers had been injured, one seriously, in the explosion at the Fukushima Unit 1. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told reporters that the explosion at the Unit 1 was caused by a failure in the pumping system as workers tried to control the reactors temperature. According to Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, some 81,000 people live within the six miles radius of the two nuclear power units. The population figures for the expanded zone (12 miles radius) were not available at the time of this reporting. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and preparations are underway to distribute iodine tablets to reduce radiation absorption risk. Citing prefecture sources, Japanese media have reported that three individuals have been tested positive for radiation exposure at a hospital some two miles from Fukushima unit 1. The Fukushima Daiichi plant, located some 170 miles (270 km) northeast of Tokyo, has five nuclear reactors. Officials had declared a state of nuclear emergency as a precaution following the failure of the cooling system. Earlier reports from Kyodo say that the radiation level at the control room of the No. 1 plant is around 1,000 times more than normal, according to

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Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA). Japan’s defense ministry says it has sent dozens of troops trained to deal with chemical disasters to the plant in case of a radiation leak. The UN’s nuclear agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said that four other nuclear plants had been shut down safely. The reactors that were shut down due to the quake account for some 18 percent of the country’s total nuclear power generating capacity, according to Reuters. Japanese officials had reported a fire at the Onagawa nuclear power plant, which was eventually extinguished. The plant, as well as Fuksuhima-Daini and Tokai nuclear power plants, were shut down automatically and no radiation release was detected.

Request for international assistance Japan has asked for international help to deal with the disaster and Prime Minister Naoto Kan is leading an emergency task force. Dozens of countries have so far offered assistance. The Government of Japan’s (GoJ) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) that it has decided to receive, for the time-being, only Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Teams from the US, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Germany, Singapore and Mexico. According to the UN, China and the European Union are also preparing for deployment. Reuters news agency reports that Switzerland and Britain are also sending teams. The GoJ says it appreciates offers of help from other countries but asks other foreign teams to continue to monitor and remain on standby and will inform them as additional decisions are made. According to the UN, at least some 39 USAR teams from other foreign countries remain on standby. The GoJ has also requested the US military in country to assist with relief efforts.

OCHA says that a 9-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, led by team leader Arjun Katoch (India), is being sent to Japan to assist the GoJ with the coordination of international assistance.

Regional Tsunami impact At least 50 countries and territories in the region had been put on tsunami alert, stretching across the Pacific to North and South America, but the alert has since been lifted. The US states of Alaska and Hawaii and states along the US West Coast were also affected by the warning.

The warning sparked mandatory evacuations for some coastal areas of the state of Hawaii. The first tsunami waves hit Hawaii approximately 3 AM local time (1400 GMT) Hawaii. Initial reports from Hawaii indicate some minor damages, but nothing major so far. On Saturday (March 12), Ed Teixera, the vice director of state Civil Defense, said that initial estimates for state property was at US$3 million, and damages to private properties were still being assessed. Governor Neil Abercrombie issued an emergency proclamation which will allow the state to seek federal money. Evacuations were also ordered in parts of California, Washington and Oregon, along the U.S. West Coast, but so far little damage has been reported. CNN reported that one person in California had been swept to sea. According to Agence France-Presse, tsunami waves damaged and destroyed some coastal buildings as far

5 away as Peru, but had overall little effect on other Latin American countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. Tens of thousands of people had been evacuated from coastal areas as a precaution.

Economic Damages Jefferies International Ltd., a global investment banking group, has put initial overall economic damages at around US$10 billion. The 1995 Kobe earthquake caused some US$100 billion in damage and was the most expensive natural disaster in history according to Reuters. Japan sits along the so-called Pacific Rim of Fire where seismic activity is common. Japan accounts for some 20 percent of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater, according to Reuters.

Government Response

Immediately following the disaster, the Government of Japan (GoJ) established an Emergency Response Team, which will be led by the Prime Minister, Naoto Kan. According to Japan’s Kyodo News Agency, the government has dispatched 8,000 troops to assist in the recovery effort and has requested for the US military in country to assist with relief efforts. The GoJ has dispatched Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for rescue operations and emergency response. Thousands of troops have been mobilized for a massive emergency response operation, and over 300 planes and 40 ships are conducting airlifts and boat rescue. Due to continuous aftershocks and surging waves, response efforts have been hampered. (OCHA, Mar 12)

The GoJ also declared a State of Nuclear Emergency on Friday (Mar 11) due to the threat posed by reactors in two Fukushima nuclear power plants, which prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents on Saturday (Mar 12) from a 20-km area around the nuclear plants north of Tokyo. The central government sent senior officials to the nuclear plant Friday to help cope with any emergency. According to the PM, a small amount of radioactive material has been released into the air after technicians were forced to release gases from the reactors in order to lower pressure. (OCHA, Kyodo News, Mar 12)

Japan has endured various calamities, including the massive 1995 Kobe earthquake, which has made the country and their government better prepared for disasters than most other countries. Because Japan’s government disaster response capacity is highly developed and very sophisticated, experts are saying that massive support that poor countries require after a crisis, such as Haiti, may not be needed. Despite this, private US aid groups, NGOs, IOs, and foreign countries continue to collect funds and emergency supplies and stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance. (Washington Post, Mar 12)

With the death toll increasing and authorities scrambling to prevent meltdown of two nuclear plants, Japanese officials have appealed to other nations to provide sniffer dogs to help search for trapped survivors, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. (AFP, Mar 12)

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National Response

The Japanese Red Cross (JRC ) has promptly mobilized staff and volunteers, and sent has 62 national disasters response teams over the past 24 hours. These medical relief teams, consisting of about 400 doctors, nurses and support staff, are on the ground providing first aid and healthcare in affected areas through mobile medical clinics and assessing the damage and needs of the affected communities. The JRC has distributed 30,000 blankets so far to evacuees in temporary centers established in schools and public buildings. Meanwhile, in response to damages caused to the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the JRC also remains prepared to support those evacuated from the exclusion zone, and continues to closely monitor the situation. (IFRC, Mar 11-12)

The Japanese Red Cross Society, facilitated by the ICRC, are encouraging those living overseas to make use of the ICRC’s restoring Family Links website (www.familylinks.icrc.org ) to help people seeking to re-establish contact with family members and friends missing since the disaster hit. This free website enables a person to inform their family and friends that they are safe and can provide contact details, while those looking for people can check the list for information. (ICRC, Mar-12)

Many National Societies have offered assistance to Japan, but the Japanese Red Cross Society has not requested international assistance from the global network of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Led by the IFRC, a high level international support and liaison team will arrive in Japan soon and support the activities of the JRC. (IFRC, Mar 12)

The Bank of Japan established a task force led by Governor Masaaki Shirakawa, saying its online network system that processes transactions between the bank and financial institutions was operating normally. (Japan Times, Mar 11)

International Response

United Nations

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep sorrow and offered the UN’s full support in providing humanitarian assistance to Japan. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), up to 68 international SAR teams from more than 45 states were on alert, awaiting a green light from authorities in Japan to deploy. The OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) has been in contact with the OCHA Kobe office that will monitor government and media sources. OCHA has been using its regional offices in Bangkok and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region to monitor the situation, with a special focus placed on watching the tsunami triggered by the quake. (OCHA, Mar 11-12)

The GoJ on Saturday (Mar 12) agreed to the deployment of a 9-member UN Disaster and Assessment (UNDAC) team, who are currently mobilizing for deployment. (OCHA, Mar 12)

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The UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and UN Operational Satellite Applications Program (UNOSAT) are monitoring the situation. Space Charter was triggered by Japan and UNOSAT is in contact with the Space Charter coordinator for the event. (UNOCHA, Mar 11)

The UN’s World Food Program (WFP) reported staff on standby across the Asia-Pacific region ready to respond to calls for assistance.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) said Saturday (Mar 12) that the current public health risk from Japan’s radiation leak appeared to be “quite low,” but the WHO network of medical experts was prepared to assist if requested. (Reuters, Mar 12)

NGOs/IOs

China Red Cross (CRC): China’s Red Cross has pledgedUS$150,000 (1 million Yuan) to its Japanese counterpart (JRC). (AFP, Mar 12)

The International Medical Corps (IMC): The US medical relief organization IMC says it is in contact with its partners in Japan and other potentially affected countries to assess needs and coordinate activities.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): The IFRC has informed all national societies in Asia Pacific which are covered in the tsunami warning as well as the Europe and America zones regarding their specific countries. The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) is assessing the situation at both national headquarter and branch levels. A total of 11 National Disaster Response Teams (with focus on assessment, first aid, health, and possible psychosocial support program (PSP) were sent to the affected areas. Possible relief and supply distribution are under planning. A communications delegate from the Asia Pacific IFRC office has been deployed to the affected area. In addition, the Asia Pacific Regional Logistics Unit has emergency stocks ready to be dispatched from Kuala Lumpur if needed.

MERCY Malaysia , on standby, is monitoring the situation and ready to respond as requests for international assistance come in. (OCHA, Mar 11)

Oxfam: Humanitarian relief organization Oxfam is saying that it is monitoring the situation and remains on standby to respond to affected regions.

Operation Blessing International: The US-based relief organization, Operation Blessing International (OBI) says it is deploying a medical team out of its Manila, Philippines office to Japan.

Save the Children (SC): SC said it is mobilizing its global resources to respond the needs of children families affected by the quake and ensuing tsunami. Speaking from central Tokyo, SC spokesman Elichi Sadamatsu said his organization remains on standby to serve welfare of children and families of those affected by the massive natural calamity.

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Telecoms sans Frontiers (TSF): TSF is deploying a team to assess communications and provide emergency telecommunications assistance. (OCHA, Mar 12)

World Bank: The World Bank group is prepared to help the government and the people of Japan in the recovery efforts. They are monitoring potential impacts in countries across the region and are ready to provide support. (WB, Mar 11)

World Vision: The US-based humanitarian relief organization World Vision said that it is preparing to respond to the emergency and its staff in the region and in Japan remains on standby.

Foreign Governments

Japan’s government on Saturday accepted offers of international assistance from Australia, the US, Republic of South Korea, New Zealand, Germany, Singapore and Mexico. Teams from these countries include in total 145 search and rescue specialists and 30 dogs. (OCHA, Mar 12) Other countries prepared to contribute to humanitarian aid include Poland , which has offered firefighters, and France, reportedly prepared to offer whatever assistance that was required. (Reuters, Mar 11) Meanwhile, emergency search and rescue teams from 39 other foreign countries remain on standby (OCHA, Mar 12)

Afghanistan: Kandahar mayor, Ghulam Haidar Hamidi announced US$50,000 in aid to the people affected by the disasters in Japan, the AFP reported Kandahar’s provincial governor as saying. (AFP, Mar 12)

Australia: Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan says the Federal Government is monitoring the situation in Japan closely and Australia stands prepared to provide any assistance needed. (ABC News, Mar 11) On Saturday, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said his government was “prepared to throw anything and everything at this.” Also, Australia has sent dogs and search and rescue teams at the request of GoJ, while OCHA reported the country is deploying 72 specialists and 22 tons of rescue and medical equipment. (OCHA, AFP, Mar 12)

China: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressed “deep sympathy” and solicitude to the Japanese government and people, and on behalf of the Chinese government, offered whatever aid that is necessary. According to the director of the China Earthquake Administration, Chen Jianmin, China’s International Rescue Team has mobilized its members, equipment, materials and medicines in place and is ready to depart for Japan at any time, Xinhua news agency reported.

European Commission: The Monitoring and Information Center of the European Commission (MIC) is ready to assist Japan if a request for assistance is received. (OCHA, Mar 11)

India: India said it stood in “full solidarity” with the people of Japan, adding that their resources were at their full disposal. (AFP, Mar 12)

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New Zealand: Although New Zealand is currently dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Christchurch in late February, the country will send 48 USAR staff, which is one-third of its search and rescue personnel. (AFP, Mar 12)

Russia: Russian President Dmitry said Russia was “ready to offer Japan all possible aid to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.” ERMACOM, the Russian emergency services agency, has offered 40 people with three sniffer dogs.

Singapore has civil defense forces on standby, and on Saturday said it will send dogs and search and rescue teams at the request of Japanese officials. (AFP, Mar 12)

South Korea has prepared 40 emergency rescue officials to fly to Japan by government plane when they receive clearance. South Korea is also sending dogs and search and rescue teams following Japan’s specific request. (AFP, Mar 12)

Switzerland: Switzerland announced it was sending a team of some 25 rescue and medical experts along with nine sniffer dogs. According to Toni Frisch, head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, they will be in charge with searching for victims underneath the debris of the tsunami. (Reuters, Mar 12)

Thailand: The Foreign Ministry of Thailand reportedly offered US$165,000 (5 million Baht) in aid to Japan and will consider further contributions when the extent of the damage is known.

United Kingdom: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II said her thoughts and prayers were with the Japanese people. The Government of the United Kingdom pledged its support for Japanese emergency response and offered to send rescue teams and other specialists. (Telegraph, Mar 11) After a direct appeal from the GoJ, Britain is preparing to dispatch a team of 59 fire service search and rescue specialists, two rescue dogs and a medical support team to join the international relief effort. The team will bring 11 tons of specialist rescue equipment, including heavy lifting and cutting equipment. (AFP, Mar 12)

United States: US President Barack Obama has relayed to Japanese PM Naoto Kan that the US would assist Japan in any way during this time of great trial. Obama told the media that the main US assistance to Japan would probably be “lift capacity,” referencing helicopters and planes that can carry heavy loads, the Washington Post (WP) reported. On Friday, the US Navy initiated reconnaissance flights to map the disaster zone. The Pentagon is set to send some P-3 Orion maritime surveillance aircrafts to support the Japanese government by providing aerial reconnaissance over quake-damaged areas. (ABC News, Mar 12) US Pacific Fleet ships in the Western Pacific, carrying supplies, personnel and airlifts, were headed towards Japan to provide emergency assistance. The USS Ronald Reagan, which will be used as a landing pad for helicopters, is the flagship of the Ronald Reagan Striker Group. The group includes the USS Chancellorsville and USS Preble, all of which were headed to Japan’s eastern coast. The USS Essex is getting ready to rendezvous with USS Harpers Ferry and USS Germantown off Tokyo to prepare for any HADR relief duties. Additionally, the USS Tortuga, a dock landing ship carrying

10 helicopters and landing aircraft, and the USS Blue Ridge, the US 7 th Fleet command flagship, are both en route to Japan to provide support. (GoUSA, WP, Mar 12)

On Friday, (Mar 11), USAID activated a Washington DC based Response Management Team to coordinate the USG humanitarian response to the tsunami. USAID/OFDA also provided US$100,000 through the US Embassy in Tokyo to help with the immediate local response. At the request of the GoJ, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has deployed two Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Fairfax County and Los Angeles County to help in the rescue effort. The US rescue teams, consisting of some 150 personnel, 12 rescue dogs and emergency medical and water rescue capacities, are expected to arrive in Misawa, Japan on Sunday (Mar 13). They will work alongside the Japanese and international SAR teams searching for live victims. USAID’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has arrived in Japan and are working to coordinate the overall US Government response effort. (USAID, Mar 11-12)

Obama also noted on Friday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was prepared to aid any of the US states or territories who needed help.

Note: This report has been compiled from publicly available information. Although information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable, the currency and completeness of the information reported herein is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Inquiries, updates and comments are welcome and should be directed to [email protected].

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