Yesterday’s rains and damp weather continued on into today. I was awakened in the early morning as a few large aftershocks came. At least three and it’s getting routine. A few days ago I heard that the water had certain levels of radioactivity that it was at an unhealthy level. This information came from a friend associated with one of the U.S. Military bases here. However it was not until today that this warning was issued in Tokyo by the local government. I wonder why the release dates differ?
It’s the same water from the same reservoirs. So now, “Don’t drink the water.” This is what it’ s come to. We are told we are safe, but then warned about drinking water. We are told that there should be no major concerns regarding active radiation leaks and contamination however they have stopped shipments of milk and produce from the areas near the reactors due to contamination. So, water now has elevated levels of radioactive particles.
More than double the amount that’s deemed safe for infants. Perhaps not at dangerous level for adults as infants are more susceptible to radiation. I’m heeding the warnings and making sure I drink and use bottled water. Unfortunately these days bottled water is hard to find. Stores have run out of them. It’s going to be a long search tomorrow. Fortunately for families with small children, the Tokyo government has offered free rations to families with infants less than 1 year old. It’s hard to imagine, but this is Tokyo today. Another surprise was milk. I was able to get a few quarts of milk today. However, I was told that the milk I purchased was shipped out prior to the radiation warnings.
So milk that I’ve just received is also off limits. All of course small problems compared to the problems for the people closer to the reactors or in the tsunami hit areas. I personally feel that the levels thus far are not going to be harmful to adults. But the way these warning messages are delivered needs to be reconsidered. It’s obvious now that the reactor is leaking. It’s also obvious that they have yet to gain control. There’s still a lot difficulties to go through. We have to now wait and see for what happens next and for when the water clears up.
Linh Vien Thai is Amerasian, born in Dalat, South Vietnam, where he continued to lived during the war. He left for the U.S. and is now an American living in Tokyo. He enjoys adventure traveling and doing what’s right to make the world a better place.
