Can’t get through

Posted on March 11, 2011 by .
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I was drifting off to sleep tonight when I heard mention of the 8.9 earthquake off of the coast near Sendai, Japan. My parents live about 180 miles north of Sendai in Aomori Prefecture.

Not too surprisingly, I haven’t been able to get through to my parents, but I’ve seen statements that the US military base on Misawa came through relatively unscathed, so I’m fairly confident my parents are okay too. One of my cousins is a physician in Sendai; I’m sure she’ll be busy.

My parents live about 10 miles inland from Hachinohe. Hachinohe is the port city in Aomori Prefecture that’s been getting a lot of the media attention tonight. Right now I’m watching NHK TV’s live news coverage of the earthquake and I’m astounded at the pounding Hachinohe is taking, mostly from the monstrous tsunami waves that hit this port city. I have cousins in this city as well. The damage looks substantial; I can’t imagine what the human casualties will be.

It’s still winter time in that part of Japan; the forecast for tonight and tomorrow is for snow.



See also:

  1. No news, good news?
  2. Misawa Air Base Japan
  3. Plus 3: Ride and give
  4. 2009 Tour de France TV schedule


  • http://ecoMinima.com Chris Baskind

    Thinking about your family, and all the others in harm’s way.

  • http://twitter.com/bikinginla Ted Rogers

    I’ll say a few prayers for all of your family, and all the people of Japan. Hopefully, they’ll emerge from this safely.

    I wouldn’t worry too much about not being able to get ahold of them. After the Northridge earthquake, we couldn’t reach our my in-laws who lived just three miles away. It will take awhile to restore services and get word out.

  • http://cyclingwellington.co.nz Lisa

    Really feeling for you, we’ve just been through that no-contact thing with Christchurch. I’m sure your family will be fine, as you say. Japan has worked hard at earthquake-proofing and they’ve got great disaster-management. Communication lines will be back up soon. Hang in there!

  • http://bicycledesign.net/ James@BicycleDesign

    I know that is stressful to have the lines of communication cut in a disaster like this, but as you said they are most likely OK. I really hope you hear from them soon. I will keep your family and everyone in Japan in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Archergal

    Very best wishes to your family, and to the other folks living through the earthquake/tsunami. :(