Japanese teacher, Yumi Soga, 26, who teaches at the Pune-based Indo-Japanese Association (IJA), Pune had a harrowing two days ever since the gigantic tsunami hit her island nation on Friday.
Japanese teacher, Yumi Soga, 26, who teaches at the Pune-based Indo-Japanese Association (IJA), Pune had a harrowing two days ever since the gigantic tsunami hit her island nation on Friday. In an exclusive interview to DNA on Saturday evening, she said Friday night was full of fear and turmoil.
“I could not sleep because of the news and the whole night was busy in keeping myself updated about the disaster through various means like the Internet and news channels,” Yumi said.
Yumi, a resident of Gunma prefecture in north-western Japan, said, “Fortunately, my town faced little damage due to the quake. All my family members are safe and sound.”
Yumi’s family consists of parents, a brother and a grandmother.
She told DNA, “I tried contacting my family through various means, but in vain. Only today (Saturday) morning, I got through to them and spoke to my grandmother, who confirmed that everybody is fine. I am planning to return home next month, after I complete the exchange programme planned by my foundation, Jenesys Programme.”
Yumi said she was trying to contact her friends, but due to the bad network, she could not reach them. “I am worried and scared, but I have emailed them and wish they send me their replies soon,” Yumi said.
Vaijayanti Abhyankar, senior-most Japanese teacher at IJA, Pune told DNA, “We have been trying to contact 50 Pune students from the association, who are presently working in Japan, but have got through to only eight of them so far. They should be fine as they are in the southern part of the country. We have sent emails, but no replies have been received so far. We are praying for them.”
Pune NGO wants to send 10 volunteers to Japan
City based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Aarogya Sena wants to send a ten-member team to help the victims of the Japanese tsunami. Dr Abhijit Vaidya, national president of the NGO, told DNA on Saturday, “We have developed an advanced indigenous method by which a team of 10 can handle at least 1,000 victims at a stretch. We are mentally prepared to go there and will request the Indian government to assist us in the process.”
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