2012-03-09 16:19:37

Japan's Tsunami: One year on


This weekend marks the first anniversary of Japan's earthquake that triggered a devastating Tsunami and nuclear crisis. It was the nation's worst ever natural disaster and left at least 16,000 people dead and hundreds of thousands homeless. But one year on from then, what is the situation like for survivors in the worst affected areas? Susy Hodges spoke to Father Daisuke Narui, Executive Director of Caritas Japan to find out more.

He says some of the survivors are finding it very easy to resert their lives but sadly some others in the more rural areas like some fisherman "have already given up" and are seeking solace in alcohol. Another problem says Father Narui is that the regular delivery of relief supplies means that some of the victims are becoming too dependent on aid to get by and "don't feel they have to work again."

One of the positive things that has emerged from this disaster, Father Narui adds, is the generosity shown by the volunteers who have come "repeatedly" to the affected area to help clean up and assist the survivors. Father Narui says he was "wrong" in believing that most Japanese people were too isolated and only cared about themselves, noting that some of the volunteers have come to the Tsunami stricken areas "up to 20 times" in the last 12 months.

Listen to the full interview with Father Daisuke Narui by Susy Hodges: RealAudioMP3







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