The USC Japan Office in Tokyo is experiencing significant problems after last week’s 9.0 megaquake and tsunami in northern Japan, the office’s director said in a message sent to staff and faculty.
“Transportation in the Tokyo area (especially trains) has not been functioning as normal, with reduced service or no service on some lines,” said Fumi Stark, the office’s director. “We are also having rolling power outages, with scheduled blackouts for various parts of Kanto area (including Tokyo) announced by the Tokyo Electric Power Company.”
Stark added that shops in the area have run out of basic foods.
“Many stores are out of everyday essentials such as milk, eggs, other food items, toilet paper, etc., since people are anxious and have stocked up on these goods in case the problems persist or get worse,” she said.
But Stark also said the radiation is becoming a more and more concerning issue.
“We also are facing a big problem in the form of radiation from nuclear power plans in Fukushima, which were heavily hit by the earthquake,” she said. “And, of course, they are much worse for those located closer to the earthquake’s center, especially those who were hit by the tsunami or who are closer to the affected power plants.”
“Things here are rather unpredictable right now.”
Stark, however, said the office itself had not experienced any damage, and that no one was hurt. She also thanked the USC community for its generosity in offering to help those in the USC Japan office.
“Over the past few days, the USC Japan Office has received many e-mails from our friends concerning our staff safety and offering help if needed,” she said. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the people who are thinking of us at this difficult time.”
“Please keep Japan and especially the people who are still in the disaster areas in your thoughts,” she said. “They need your help now.”
Stark also made note of the transportation and power issues still making life difficult for many.
“As of this week, we are still experiencing numerous aftershocks,” she said. “Transportation in the Tokyo area (especially trains) has not been functioning as normal, with reduced service or no service on some lines.”
“We are also having rolling power outages,” she added, “with scheduled blackouts for various parts of Kanto area (including Tokyo) announced by the Tokyo Electric Power Company.
