Tokyo Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Canadian Medical Assistance Teams

CMAT/ IMAT evacuating assessment team from Japan.

2011 - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Deployments

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 – Some frustrating circumstances have arisen. Within the last hour, it was confirmed that Emergency Operations at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power plant have been suspended, and a fire erupted in the outer portion of the No. 4 reactor unit’s containment vessel. Radiation levels may rise to a potentially high level. As a result of the unstable nuclear threat the decision has been made to evacuate the assessment team.

The team is not sufficiently equipped to assist in the event of a nuclear emergency, and will be departing Japan at 1750 local time.

Many contacts were made, and the team did what they could, however the situation has become too unstable to continue. This is all very frustrating, but with the intelligence gathered, CMAT will continue to monitor, with hopes to redeploy once the situation has stabilized.

CMAT continues to appeal for donations to purchase a high-volume water purification system, and thanks all those who have already donated for their generous support. . We will continue to monitor the ongoing and developing situation, and prepare to stage our response from Vancouver and Seattle.

CMAT Monitoring Additional Explosion at Fukushima Nuclear Plant.

2011 - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Deployments

CMAT Team Leader Dave Johnson meets with media at Tokyo’s Narita airport.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 – CMAT Directors were in contact tonight with the Assessment Team who are currently on the ground in Tokyo, preparing for Air Lift Transport to the Sendai Region.

As of this evening all NGO airlift support has been temporarily suspended pending the further assessment of the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant. CNN has reported that another explosion has occurred, this time at the number 4 reactor.

CMAT Directors spoke this evening with Canadian Nuclear Officials who stated: “Standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE: coveralls, masks, gloves) would be adequate if they had to go inside the evacuated area, but at 100+ km away, no one would have received a significant radiation dose, even at Chernoble.”

CMAT/ IMAT joint assessment team touches down in Tokyo.

2011 - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Deployments

None of us saw this coming, what an encouragement for us to now go … and do. (Notes of encouragement from the JL017 Flight crew).011

Monday, March 14, 2011 – We arrived safe in Tokyo. Tourist information told us there wasnt a single vacancy in the whole city. Rental cars and trucks non-existent. Even if there was something, fuel is in short supply and is being rationed out.

Somehow, using our combined good looks and charm … or just connections and Ian our Japanese speaking team member … a way was made and beds were found.

That’s not even the best story.

CMAT and IMAT Rapid Assessment Teams depart for Japan.

2011 - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Deployments

CMAT and IMAT Rapid Assessment Team checking in at YVR. L-R: Ian Burkheimer (IMAT), Dave Johnson (CMAT Team Leader), Kelly Kaley (CMAT), Kevin Sanford (CMAT), Ryan Thorburn (CMAT), Brett Martinson (IMAT).

Sunday, March 13, 2011 – CMAT assessment team has departed from Vancouver and is travelling to earthquake and tsunami ravaged Japan.

Depending on the assessment findings, the team would be the first of many which would rotate through Japan to provide much needed medical assistance and support to the local Japanese affected by the devastating quake and tsunami. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 persons may have died. Countless other Japanese are in need of assistance – food, water, shelter and medical support.