Saitama, Japan, Mar 21, 2011 / 13:55 pm
Sister Ana Alvarado, a Peruvian religious sister of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Japan stated that her community will continue its efforts in the country.
Sister Alvarado spoke with CNA on March 18 and described the tragic situation facing the thousands of Japanese arriving in the Diocese of Saitama, located 111 miles south of Fukushima and 43 miles from Tokyo.
The Peruvian sister, who directs Hispanic ministry in Saitama, said there is widespread fear of an explosion at the Fukushima plant, which is leading to an increase in the number of people fleeing the area. A nuclear power plant in Fukushima was damaged by the country's March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
“We have chosen to take evacuees in,” Sister Alvarado said. “There are also some people who have been affected here, but not as many as our brothers and sisters to the north. For this reason a notice has been sent to all the parishes, convents and faithful asking them to open their doors to evacuees from the Diocese of Sendai,” where shelters and evacuation centers are filled to capacity, she said.