Japan Earthquake Update 4

The National Meteorological Agency yesterday announced that the 11 March massive earthquake was measured magnitude (Richter scale) 9.0 rather than 8.8 as announced earlier.  Also all the Tsunami Warning has been cancelled, however the Agency still suspects possibilities of strong after quake for sometime.  Fukushima nuclear power plant is still in critical situation.  Because of the shortage of supply of electricity by Tokyo Electric Company, Government decided to introduce rotating electricity cut in Tokyo and surrounding area from today.  Rescue work is still going on and the entire picture of the disaster is yet to be known.

Catholic Diocese of Sendai has just issued its situation report this morning compiled by Fr. Komatsu, a diocesan chancellor.

According to the report:

1. Fr. Andre Lachapelle, MEQ, 76, a parish priest of Shiogama Catholic Church has passed away during the disaster. It seems that he died of heart attack. 
2. Despite communication difficulties, most of the Church buildings have been found safe and intact. 
3. These Churches in coastal area which was hit by Tsunami in Ofunato, Kamaishi, Kesennuma, Ishinomaki , as they are located on a hill, might be intact by Tsunami. 
4. Miyako Church might be hit by Tsunami but details are not known yet. 
5. A chapel building of Sukagawa Church in Fukushima was damaged. 
6. No information from coastal area of Fukushima yet. 
7. Sendai diocese thanks all the people who have been sending messages of encouragement.