Reply #43: Yes, my city's mayor was appealing for help

[Art_from_Ark]

But later in the day, there was a notice on the TV that stated that enough goods had been donated. They are still accepting applications for volunteers.

Also, I was talking with a co-worker later who said that land links between north and south Ibaraki are essentially severed. Apparently, there was substantial damage at Mito Station and it seems to be out of commission for the time being. This is bad, particularly because it is an important station for the Joban (major north-south), Mito, and Suigun train lines. Also, the main north-south expressway north of Mito is closed to regular traffic, and there are reports that the main regular highway connecting north and south, Route 6, is impassable in some places north of Mito. And to top it off, there is a gas shortage. I went by 4 gas stations today, and 4 yesterday, and all but 2 were closed. The ones that were open had long lines, and the price had risen to the equivalent of $7/gallon (as opposed to about $5.50/gallon before the earthquake).