Concern has been expressed about ‘hot spots’, created as a result of disbursement of radiation, by wind, rain, e.g., Chiba prefecture, in spite of the considerable distance from the nuclear power plant at Fukushima.

A team has been organised to advocate for the protection of children, specifically, from the affects of radiation, with a petition being circulated, to lobby the Japanese government’s action in development of rehabilitation and prevention programs.

It is hoped that a Nazarene who has been involved in ministry to children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster will be able to assist in the development of strategies to support children at risk of harm as a result of the radiation fall-out from Fukushima.

Missionary to Saipan, Dave Bucher, extended an invitation to victims of the east Japan quake/tsunami, for emergency accommodation immediately after the disaster. In further discussion with Bucher, the east Japan disaster team are proposing a children’s retreat, in Saipan. It is thought that a period of isolation from the contaminated area may reduce or eliminate, some of the adverse affects of radiation. Mrs Mika Shinozawa, a qualified psychologist, and wife of disaster team member, Rev. Shunichiro Shinozawa, will assist in providing therapeutic support for the children participating in the ‘detox’/respite program. Members of the Nazarene Disaster Response team visited Saipan recently to meet with church and government leaders to discuss the proposal.

There is also the need for increased awareness of the potential of abuse (sexual, or other) and relevant training, particularly for increased involvement of volunteers, local and international, in working with children. Disaster situations increase the risk factors for children, becoming particularly vulnerable not only to environmental factors, but also to those who would take advantage of the less secure circumstances many find themselves in.