President's message for all those affected by the Great Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake

Words do not suffice for this disaster.

First of all, please permit me to extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the Great Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake on March 11, 2011, and to all those continuing to suffer great hardship. I also pray that no additional victims will be claimed among persons, some of them victims themselves of this disaster, now working to rescue others. Moreover, I also pray that no additional victims will arise among those risking their lives to cool the nuclear power plants.

Upon receiving news of this massive earthquake, many individuals living here in the Kansai trembled remembering the unimaginable horror of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake 16 years ago.

As the extent of this disaster becomes clearer, faculty, staff, and students are considering how they might make use of their own earthquake experience to assist with relief activities, how they might help as individual citizens, and what knowledge and wisdom we, as a university, might offer.

Some of our medical staff and nuclear energy and radiation specialists have already entered the earthquake-stricken areas and disaster volunteer specialists are preparing for next-step relief activities. Furthermore, Osaka University is collecting relief supplies and donations in cooperation with other universities and the Japan Association of National Universities.

Additionally, we are considering outreach such as accepting researchers, faculty, and students affected by the earthquake into our university dormitories and the registration of volunteers.

Osaka University is committed to proceeding with these operations without delay and to concerted support of the victims of this disaster.

President
Osaka University