David Uribe

The diocesan support centre in Sendai is active in various cities in Sendai prefecture. More than a hundred volunteers are working on reconstruction as well as psychological and spiritual assistance to survivors. The situation in Myagi and Iwate Prefectures is critical. Thousands of people are still homeless because of delays in rebuilding.

Nine months after the tragedy, thousands of homeless housed in prefabs. Catholic priests and faithful of the Archdiocese of Sendai, organize collections of food and offer spiritual support to those who have lost everything. The Japanese mega-cities of gift the victims of the disaster Christmas trees and decorations.

Six months after the tragedy, most of the area has been freed from rubble. The work of the Church, volunteers, religious and lay people, to rebuild the social fabric swept away together with the houses.

The bishops, meeting in plenary session, sent a message to all the faithful calling for the mobilization of all the dioceses. "For this we wish that all priests, religious and all our brothers and sisters in faith to join in a continuous and stable form in this our appeal."

Japan’s Christians are working to support people affected by the tsunami and earthquake, regardless of religion. The diocese of Sendai concentrates on reaching isolated people and places.

In quake-hit areas aid centers spread, through the work of volunteers from all over Japan. The main lines of communication with Tokyo reopened. At Easter, the chancellor of the diocese of Sendai recalls the aid of the Catholics and closeness to the victims of the tragedy.

The 7.1 magnitude quake hits about 164 kilometres northeast of Tokyo, but does not cause any major damages. A minute of silence is held across the country for the 13,000 people who died in last month’s catastrophe. Sendai diocese opens new aid centres and sends priests and volunteers to the hardest-hit areas.

In the sea near the nuclear plant the concentration of radioactive iodine is 4,385 times higher than normal. Authorities claim there is no danger to health. The UN nuclear agency calls to expand the size of the evacuation area so far fixed at 20 km. In areas of the tsunami displaced people are lacking food, gas and fuel. Catholic Church gives shelter to families, women and children in homes and monasteries.