Dr. Furitsu, March 19: “We have to focus on the people right now”

Sent:   Sat 3/19/2011 1:47 AM

[IPPNWFORUM] one week has passed…..still in a difficult situation

Dear all,

I am sorry but I do not have time to update the things now.

Many things are happening here. I myself have to deal with the things what I can do here, in addition to my own routine work and activities.

You may see some of the updates on the following site, at least the “official” information.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv

We are still in a critical situation at the nuclear power plant site. Many people, many young skilled workers, fire fighters , engineers and SD staff, at the site have been making great effort to try to stop the situation getting worse. They themselves are already exposed to radiation……it is really sad, but we know that we cannot get rid of this crisis without their hard work…..

We, anti-nuclear-power-plants activists are starting to discuss concretely the evacuation of children and pregnant women, from the 20-30 km zone. We are afraid of the possibility of the worse situation. (We really hope [evacuation] would happen.) It might be too late if we decide after having such a situation. We never want to make people in panic. However, we have to prepare even for the worst scenario. We know that we should carry on such a measurement with an official initiative. The crisis situation makes the government too busy to work on this. They have to focus on the crisis of the plants to avoid the further disaster. It is reality.

Another important thing for us is to request government and companies to release real time and precise information and data of environmental radiation, including the data of isotopes, and the situation of the plants.

We heard that already some or many of them, who have a chance to do so, have already left the areas. However, it is not easy to do so without gas and before preparing proper place to accept them outside of the zone.

I also know that some people even in Tokyo has already left the city and been in a kind of “panic” situation. I really understand their feeling and we cannot blame none of them.

However, we have to focus on the people right now who have been facing to the most “possible” or “realistic” danger to radiation exposure and also the shortage of food, water, medicine, fuel and everything.

The local governments are already starting to accept more than a thousand people from a town which is within 2km, (they evacuated already from their hometown to 20-30 km zone some days ago). Many people, including local authorities, are now trying to do their best.

I am not sure whether or not you who are living away from Japan could understand my complex feeling, sadness and realistic thinking.

Another additional thing is that NHK in Japan has stopped the continuous live news on the affected areas and the nuclear plants today. They might decide to do so as a week has already passed since the earthquake. (Of course, we can get a live image at the site from time to time, when something new happens.) It makes me strange feeing watching sports game, cultural program and other things which do not have any relation to the present disaster. I myself may be in an “usual” mental a situation…..

I will stop now.

I wish you all have a nice week end. We have no idea about our weekend, though.

Please also continue to work hard to stop nuclear power plants in your own country…….

Peace,
Katsumi

P.S. I saw a video of WHO staff who is commenting on the evacuation. I personally thing it very sorry. They are not in a stance of “preventing” possible health impacts on the people who are staying within 20-30km or just out side of the 30km zone. We are not discussing the immediate danger of the people who are living in Tokyo!  I hope he will come to Japan and stay with the people in the 20-30 km zone…….. I will not say anything further now. We may discuss after we finish this crisis. Sorry in a hurry…..