Is there anything left

News reports in the night-time hours of yet another fire at the Fukushima nuclear plant, and once again there is concern about the safety of those who are yet in Japan.  Even the emperor has weighed in, trying his best to keep people calm while apologizing and expressing condolences to those who have suffered and to the families of those who have died.

As the decision makers in that country scramble to contain the threat of further nuclear disaster, panic has already begun to rear it's head on this side of the Pacific.  Although unfounded, according to the medical authorities, the threat of radiation poisoning has led to the disappearance of preventative medication from the shelves of many pharmacies, and people are 'stocking up'.

At least one who was consulted though has explained that although the radiation levels are high enough to cause potential death among the population of the area immediately around the Fukushima plant, and that other medical complications can result in other areas of Japan, even if the cloud of radiation were to make its way across the Pacific, its concentration of radiation would be so diluted by the time it got to North America that we would not be affected by it.

Some may say that these are words meant to calm the crowds, and indeed none of us can foretell the outcome as we watch it unfold.  Perhaps the best response we can have is prayer.  Oh, did I mention that I posted a blog entry about prayer just last night?