Depending on who you are, depending on where you live the date of September 11 holds a different meaning. Today marks the 12th memorial of the terrorist attacks in the United States. Two and a half years ago on this day, the coastline of most of northeast Japan was forever changed. Regardless of how this day is important to you, and even if it's not, this day allows us to learn.
There's a saying in the Tohoku region of Japan. The two-word saying is, tsunami tendenko. These words contain a simple but powerful meaning: if facing a tsunami save yourself first.
I've heard this from many of my adopted family and friends over the past two and a half years. People living in Tohoku have grown up with this saying, hearing it from their parents and grandparents. Evacuation drills stress safety and survival. For those who live along the coastlines of Japan, that tsunamis follow an earthquake is a given. The only escape is to get to higher ground.
It's a simple message. Why then, did so many people lose their lives in the series of tsunamis that hit the Tohoku coast in 2011? The answers are many. Some are painful to divulge, while others are simply tragic. The concept of when and how to escape begs repeating. Fair warning: what sounds easy isn't.
Multiple foreign groups have visited Rikuzentakata since March 2011. I've had the opportunity to share stories with many of them. Part of my job is to relay information on what happened during and after the tsunami. Another part of my job is to convey a message. Prepare. Think. Have a plan.
Disasters cannot be predicted, whether natural, war, or cause by carelessness and accidents. Many cannot be avoided. While not diminishing routine fire and evacuation drills, the most important way to prepare is to not take disasters lightly.
This is where tsunami tendenko comes in. Those living along the coastline of Japan are taught to run to high ground after an earthquake. What we learned from the disaster of 2011 is as follows: stay on high ground, remain calm but run, don't drive to evacuate, and take warnings seriously.
The tsunami hit approximately 30 minutes after the M9.0 earthquake. Many who had run to higher ground went back to their homes and businesses thinking they had time to get their dog, their bank book, cash, and other items of importance. The lesson learned? Don't.
On March 9th, 2011 another large earthquake hit the same region. A tsunami warning was issued but nothing happened. Many who were in the towns where the warning came on March 9th stayed put on the 11th. No tsunami two days ago meant it wasn't going to happen today either. They paid for their mistake with their lives.
Those who tried to drive to safety ended up in a traffic jam. Logic dictates cars run faster than people. The truth behind this doesn't take into consideration people can get to places cars can't, and if people run they can avoid being stuck in traffic.
What does it mean to have a plan? What does it mean to think through this plan? Tsunami tendenko teaches people the simple message, everyone for themselves. On the surface this seems cold and harsh but it warrants a second look.
For many, the idea of escaping to safety, to protect oneself is natural. Our instinct is to live. To survive. For some, it's equally natural to want to help those around them. Tsunami tendenko offers a simple message: don't.
This begs the following question: Are you willing to die for others? If so, whom?
Parents naturally want to protect their children. Are you prepared to leave everything behind (i.e. keys, cell phone, cash, passport, your backpack filled with emergency food and water) to grab your kids? If faced with the decision of protecting your spouse over your children whom will you choose? What about your colleagues? Your friends? Will you stay behind to help an injured friend or will you run for your life?
The message is simple. Think. Have a plan. Stick to it. Live.
My hope is days like September 11th will hold meaning for no one. None of us want to commemorate disasters, whether caused by terrorists or an earthquake. That said, none of us can see into our futures. Life is precious. Have a plan.
No comments:
Post a Comment