I am not sure what is happening regarding the nuclear reactors in Japan. There are conflicting reports between the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. So far, the NYT seems to have more detailed and plausible information. The WSJ headlines do not seem to match the content of the articles, which have been changed only slightly during the day.
Folks able to use Facebook describe a critical situation in Tokyo in terms of lack of electric power, essentially no transportation, limited phone service, and perhaps pending short-term food shortages. Some people I know have walked long distances to return to their homes, up to 25 kilometers. I have not heard from many of my friends in Japan.
One friend who lives in the Tokyo area and is originally from Sendai mentioned that his parents and in-laws are safe, however, he can not reach anyone else via phone in the Sendai area to confirm their safety.
The unique aspects of the Japanese food distribution and retail system are perhaps not well suited to deal with disruption. Likewise the extremely high population density in Japan makes matters worse in dealing with a massive natural disaster. Some of my friends described complete traffic congestion for all of Tokyo to the point that emergency vehicles and ambulances could not make any headway.
The aftershocks are quite severe and widespread. In one case, there was a seismic event that was classified as an earthquake rather than an aftershock.
In terms of accounting for people, there is confusion. One report from Australian TV mentioned that four trains in transit remain unaccounted for and presumed lost.
I want to pass along my best to all of my friends in Japan. The earthquake is a terrible thing. It will take a great deal of effort to rescue those trapped, get into recovery mode, and to rebuild the country.
I know that I speak for many at MIT in that we will do everything possible to help.
For more info. see Aftershocks in Japan.
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