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Community Corner

Japan Through the Eyes of a Survivor

Read the account of Stephen Barbour, a resident of Urayasu, Japan, as he experiences the aftermath of a massive earthquake and tsunami that have devastated the country.

"Huge earthquake in Tokyo!! I am fine! Please call my folks if you can. OMG, it was huge!!!"

These were the words our longtime friend Stephen Barbour posted on Facebook at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night. 

Shortly after, news reports flooded television stations and websites about the 8.9 earthquake that struck off the coast of Japan, causing widespread destruction and triggering a tsunami with waves as high as 30 feet that officials estimate claimed at least 10,000 lives.

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I first met Stephen while working for Disneyland in Anaheim.  Stephen fell in love with the Japanese people and later moved to Tokyo, Japan, to call it home and began working at the company's  resort there.

As a former southern California resident Stephen has endured his share of earthquakes, notably the Northridge quake of 1994.

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"I have to say, this was the scariest earthquake.  As a Californian, that's saying a lot," he wrote.

Concerned about provisions such as water and food, Stephen indicated there were some issues he was encountering.

"Woke up to no running water.  Bit of a worry.  In line at the supermarket for three hours.  Fully stocked with food and as much water as we were allowed to buy.  We have restrictions on liquids," he updated both family and friends on Facebook.

Later that day, he wrote about the hundreds of large aftershocks that have continuously rattled the country.

"I cannot sleep.  I am still in shock.  Plus we keep shaking.  Time to try to get a good sleep!  I hope I can.  I just feel seasick all the time.  Happy my building rolls with the aftershocks though.  Makes me feel safe," he said.

When I checked back with Stephen the next morning, he had this to say:

"The superintendent told us the garden hose works for now.  We are filling the buckets and at least get to freshen the toilet once.  Small miracle that we often forget, running water!"

While the citizens of Japan face a difficult time ahead of them, the events of the past few days has Bay Area residents wondering what they can do to help and if we're prepared to deal with a similar disaster in our earthquake-prone region.

The American Red Cross is asking for money donations, which you can make by visiting their website or calling 1-888-4-HELP-BAY.  A $10 donation can also be made by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Donations can also be made through the Rotary Club of Dublin, which will be purchasing Shelterboxes to deliver to the victims of the Japan quake and tsunami.  The Shelterboxes will provide food, water and shelter for those affected by this disaster.  If you would like to contribute, e-mail Rotary president John Zukoski at john.zukoski@gmail.com.

The Salvation Army is also seeking donations to help their relief efforts in Japan. Visit the organization's website, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text the word "Quake" or "Japan" to 80888 to donate $10.

The Bay Area is not immune to disasters such as the one that struck Japan.  Earthquake preparedness is key to surviving devastating disasters such as what we've seen in recent days. 

When I asked Stephen how he was holding up with the destruction encompassing the country an ocean away, he told me, "I am happy to be alive!" 

For more information on how you can prepare yourself and your family, read by columnist Cameron Sullivan. For how to safeguard your pets in the event of an emergency, read by Pet Corner columnist Melissa Bonnel.

The city of Pleasanton also maintains disaster preparedness resources on its website. There you can find the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Family Disaster Preparedness Guide and the city's emergency management plans.

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