An unfolding tragedy

It is now over 10 days since the earthquake struck and the ensuing tsunami caused such devastation of lives and property along the north-east coast of Honshu island. While the media coverage in the west continues to focus much on the nuclear plant in Fukushima, here the stories of human tragedy continue to emerge. Whole towns with reasonably-sized populations have just been wiped out along with many of the residents who failed to escape the waves in time. Many simply drowned. Many were fleeing with their special 'earthquake' bags filled with essential documents and basic suppplies but could not reach the high ground before the tsunami came crashing into their towns at heights no one could even have imagined. In many towns a line can be drawn where the waves stopped - on one side there is almost complete destruction; on the other houses stand as if nothing had happened. Different buildings serve as evacuation centres for those who have lost their homes. Some churches are using their buildings for that purpose. Getting sufficient supplies through can be a challenge. It is cold too. The elderly in particular find it hard. Obviously there are many physical needs. But so too are there emotional and spiritual needs. One of the tasks which needs to be done is identifying and then burying the dead. In some places mass graves have been prepared. But the task of finding survivors even yet is not over. In one place a 16 year old boy and his elderly grandmother were found (both amazingly well) after 9 days buried under the rubble of their house. The OMF team is preparing to go into one town from tomorrow and set up base at a church which suffered some damage during the tsunami but is still inhabitable on the second floor. Two missionaries who have scouted out the area have found some grim sights. The needs are vast. The task is great. But each of us can play our part, whatever that is, to bring relief, comfort and hope to those who need it so much.