Assignment: Letter from Japan

123 Poke Street, Honshu, Japan

Japan 467 980

Hi Cousin Xavier,

How are you? I’m sure you have heard of the unfortunate series of disasters in my country. What you see on the news is probably only a tenth of what we are experiencing now. You cannot imagine the situation here. After being hit by a tsunami and an earthquake, we still have to endure radiation from the nuclear plants.

As you know, I live on the coast of Honshu, and the tsunami has left my house in ruins. On the day itself, I was fortunate enough to have avoided the tsunami, and as such, am able to recount to you the horrific destruction I have witnessed. I had cycled to the city to buy some groceries when I heard the newscaster on the radio reporting that the coast of Miyagi had been hit by a monster tsunami. I panicked, and immediately telephoned my sister, who was still sleeping in the house. “SIS! Help! The tsunami’s gonna hit our house! HELP ME!!”my sister shrieked, and I could hear the giant waves breaking the fragile neighbourhood. With that, the phone line was cut off. I had just heard my sister’s last words. I dropped to the ground in grief, and noticed that others were doing the same. “... other areas of the country are also reporting tremors which have caused massive destruction. Aftershocks are also expected. The cooling system in nuclear plants is also failing, according to scientists working there, and this might cause the plants to overheat, posing a radiation threat to the rest of the country.” As the newscaster summarized his report, I was desperately trying to think how to explain the loss of my sister to my parents, who were working overseas. All was lost.

Now, as I am writing this letter, I have been transferred to a nearby refuge centre. Your uncle and aunt have sent money over to help my brother and I with our daily lives. Now, we have to collect rice grains from community storages, and we receive only half a bowl for a full day. Life is harsh, but I maintain a positive attitude that one day, Japan will recover from this series of unfortunate events.

With Love,

Benedict Lee