Explosion heightens drama in Japan.

Currently, I am in contact with several individuals near the Fukushima Prefect, including citizens as near as 25 km from Fukushima proper. They report that there are gasoline shortages. Some gasoline vendors have completely ran out of fuel.

One Japanese citizen expressed gratitude for the aid of US Marines, saying "Many lives have been lost. Many Japanese are grateful for the rescue by U.S. forces and for the unity of the hearts of people worldwide."

Another remarked that she felt safe, even though she was located just 38 km from the Fukushima power plant, because it was confirmed that Fukushima 1 and 3 had not achieved complete meltdown. She went on to say that she still wondered if she needed to leave the area and "escape."

Yet another Japanese citizen praised the Self-defense forces saying that they have saved 10,000 lives that would have otherwise been lost.

I also spoke with a student from Kamaishi high school who has information from a friend directly in the disaster area. He will forward the story from his friend when he again achieves communication.

NOTE: I will update this article periodically over the next 24 hours, so please check back for further updates directly from Japan.

UPDATE #1 3/14 2:34 am - Many of the schools being used for shelters are full. They are looking for shelters to house the displaced. Additionally, fresh water supplies are very low in some areas. The local authorities are doing a good job of getting information out to citizens, showing them how to flush toilets and conserve water supplies.

I spoke with a Japanese citizen who is frustrated the US media is focused on the negative aspects of the disaster, but is not emphasizing the positive rescues, evacuations and life-saving actions.

I have a lot of conversations saved at this point and hope to report more positive results tomorrow morning.

UPDATE #2 3/14 11:37 AM - I have had the privilege of speaking with a gentleman named Yuki who has been frantically searching for his daughter. She was able to reconnect with him after gaining access to a cell phone with twitter capabilities. THis is further evidence that many positive rescues and reunions are going on this very minute.

Here is an update from the young Japanese citizen I spoke of last night: (I have tried to leave this letter as unedited as possible, to preserve the author's original intent.)

"We three seek persons who live in Kamaishi where massive Tsunami attacked in 2011-03-11. One is my High school classmate @takako_shimizu and anoter is Kotoe and the other is me.We are from same high school named South-Kamaishi High School there is in Kamaishi. And we have the same aim of finding our precious person.

I recorded missing and safety informations of my friends on the site "person finder." Google provided and tweeted it. Soon, Takako Shimizu followed me and she said she recorded the site, too. It's been a long time since we talked with our missing friends. At the same time, Kotoe mailed me for asking tell more information about Kamaishi. And she said she was going to the disaster zone Kamaishi from Tokyo on 2011/03/13 in the early morning. I can't help admiring her bravery.

Kotoe emailed me about the report of the Kamaishi situation and asked me to spread her report. I twittered her brave action and the report. The information is very useful for everyone who seek missing person in Kamaishi. So, my follower gradualy increased and became almost doubled. Many followers looks like new comer in twitter. We japanese wanted to get more and more information so we try to any kind of methods. I got good news of someone's safety information. Many followers put missing person informations to me and cooperate with finding people, you know.

And finally, precious person of mine was found (Kazuteru Yamamoto and his family: they treat me as family in Kamaishi). I talk with my missing person via mobilephone. I was crying with joy! Good news continues as takako shimizu found loved missing persons, too. One is her childhood friend and the other is her High school friend. But Kotoe's familiy is still missing.
We pray for her family's safety harder and harder."

In this disaster, I am proud of the Japanese people. Now, Japanese have stood strong, overcoming the worst disaster in the world. All Japanese appreciate your supports in the US and are encouraged by your admiration of us."

UPDATE #3: My twitter contact nearest Fukushima is no longer posting.

More to follow

How Japanese are making utensils from paper during the tragedy

A second hydrogen blast at Fukushima and to top it off - another Tsunami is headed for the coast of Japan!

UPDATE: CNN reporting 3 reactors are in an emergency state at Fukushima.

時現在、原発からの放射性物質の拡散の影響は、健康被害をもたらすようなものではありません。原子炉内の核分裂反応は正常に停止しています。落ち着いて行動しましょう。

Preface: This is an inaugural edition of what I hope to be a regular article here on Newsvine. My belief is that it would be sometimes helpful to look past all of the political issues that divide Americans and instead, talk about real problems that people face on a daily basis, asking for the help of the readers of Newsvine to engage in thoughtful, constructive solution-making, free of animosity and angst. To be clear, yes, today's headline is a tip of the hat to the big fella.

"It Could Be Worse."

Rather a cliche phrase, yet apropros in light of the news events of this past week. While gas prices skyrocket, budget concerns loom and workers protest for their rights in Wisconsin, the tragic events unfolding in the small, island nation of Japan serve to remind us all that at times, our daily concerns can seem insignificant in comparison to the greatest of human tragedies.

We as Americans take much for granted in our day to day lives and it is important to reflect on this from time to time. When a great disaster strikes, it serves the interest of all to take a step back from our own personal perspectives and examine our world with a scope of vision the includes the whole of humanity. No matter the concerns in our daily lives, we're still here, living and breathing as the world turns, albeit just slightly faster than it did just a couple of days ago.

Yes, my friends, it could be worse. Many Americans sit in relative comfort on this Sunday afternoon, enjoying such fantastic technological conveniences as electricity, potable water and broadband Internet, as tens of thousands of people endure a great suffering half a world away. Many in Japan have lost everything they possess, save their precious lives. Holed up in temporary accommodations, thankful for ramen for sustenance and fearful that a terrible tragedy has not yet fully passed. Some have lost entire families, some have lost their livelihoods and many, many Japanese citizens have lost the safety net of comfort that we so very often take for granted. Still, they face an even greater danger of nuclear catastrophe.

Our empathy for these people must be resolute. Good conscience dictates it.

However, as any frequenter of Newsvine would surely acknowledge, too many of us are wrapped up in our own personal cares, arguments and ideologies to make a difference when others around the world are suffering. I urge you to refrain from argumentative discourse and do your part to effect a positive change in the world today, in a positive way. There is far too much suffering in the world on this day to spend our precious time on petty issues, when disasters of greater import loom large.

Therefore, I challenge you, good readers, to reflect upon this tragedy with an honest heart and all due sympathy. Do that which you can to aid in alleviating this suffering, be it only time spent on thoughts of good wishes for the people of Japan. Often, our time can be better spent than in furthering our own selfish wants and needs.

For those of us here in America, it could be worse.

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US Soldiers assist in the Japanese relief efforts.

"A meltdown may be underway"

No. 3 reactor at Fukushima urgently needs water.

Concern over leaking radioactive isotopes - is it justified?

Experts say supplies may be depleted quickly as 55 nations rush to the aid of Japan.

Horrific scene emerges in the aftermath of "super-earthquake."

All the latest coverage as it happens from Japan.

With the countries' supply chain breaking down, Japanese residents are fearful of what may come next. The small island is now gripped by an increasingly desperate situation.

US President Barack Obama will address the devestation in Japan at a press conference today.

Japan earthquake bumps commodities.

Japanese nuclear power facilities safe and functioning.

Japan is rocked by 8.8 magnitude earthquake - immediately followed by torrential tsunami.