TOKYO — The danger of radiation from damaged nuclear
reactors has greatly complicated Southern Baptist disaster relief efforts in
Japan, one member of the assessment team reported March 15.
A third explosion at a nuclear plant March 15 exposed fuel rods for several
hours, sending radiation levels soaring to 163 times previous levels, the
United Nations reported. The government responded by ordering people living
within 19 miles of the nuclear complex to stay indoors to avoid exposure.
“The crisis at the nuclear power plant further complicates the situation,” said
one member of the Baptist Global Response (BGR) disaster relief assessment team
who arrived in Tokyo March 12. “Presently our ability to respond to the tsunami
is minimal because access to the coastal areas is severely curtailed as the
government responds to the crises in the area. We are concentrating our
assessment on non-coastal areas where damage was caused by the earthquake.”
The Japan disaster relief situation is unlike any other in recent history,
noted Pat Melancon, BGR’s disaster management specialist.
“When most disasters occur, a single event is normally accompanied by a fairly
set list of accompanying effects. Floods will leave mud, destroy crops, damage
homes, contaminate water supplies and cause sicknesses,” Melancon said. “When
earthquakes occur, you see some of the same results, with additional problems
like interrupted transportation, widespread structural damage or destruction
and the like.
“The Japan event, however, is different. Here we have three catastrophic
events: the earthquake, which did much damage in areas not being featured in
the news; the tsunami, which hit the low coastal areas of Japan especially
hard; and now an additional unfolding event — the demise of nuclear power
plants.”
In a complex humanitarian crisis, different events affect the total situation
in such a way that a response to one event must be considered in context with
the others, Melancon noted.
“Each situation affects the others. The response becomes very complex,”
Melancon said. “You have to identify the most current critical factor in the
response that will diminish the severity of the combined events and begin with
that response. Eventually all the issues will be addressed.
“This event is unlike any other in recent history,” Melancon said. “BGR will
respond methodically, with the aid of Southern Baptists and other Christians
from around the world. To do this effectively, we need your prayers and
support.”
“We all grieve about the images we are seeing on television,” said Jeff Palmer,
executive director of Baptist Global Response. “Our inclination is to jump on a
plane and go. When we have a disaster response, we usually tell people they can
help by praying, giving and going. Right now, the best way they can help is by
praying, giving and waiting.
“This will be a very long-term response,” Palmer said. “We need to let our
experts, trained people and Japanese partners lead us in our efforts.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Kelly is senior writer for Baptist Press. Baptist Global
Response is located on the Internet at www.gobgr.org. The International Mission
Board has established a relief fund for the Japan earthquake. Donations may be
sent to: Office of Finance, International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave.,
Richmond, Va. 23230. In the memo line write “Japan Response Fund.” Or visit http://imbresources.org/index.cfm/product/detail/prodID/3352
to give online. For further information call the IMB toll-free at
1-800-999-3113. North Carolina Baptist Men is also collecting funds to help with recovery efforts. Make checks payable to N.C. Baptist Men, P.O. Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Designate your check Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Fund.)
Related stories
Baptists struggle to reach disaster zone
N.C. Baptists called to prayer for Japan
Nuclear threat complicates Japan relief efforts
Japan’s Christians pray, muster funds for relief
Missionary family bonds with neighbors
2 families relocate as Japan crisis heightens
Guest column: Begin helping by praying
N.C. Baptists respond to quake, tsunami
(SPECIAL NOTE — Thank you for your continued support of the Biblical
Recorder site. During this interim period while we are searching for a new
Editor/President the comments section will be temporarily discontinued. Thank
you for your understanding and patience in this. If you do have comments or
issues with items we run, please contact [email protected]
or call 919-847-2127.)