Chittagong, Bangladesh: Two hundred members of the Arakanese Rohingya community living in Japan are reported to be safe after the recent 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan, followed by a tsunami that caused massive damage to affected areas, said Zaw Min Htut, the President of Burmese Rohingya Association in Japan (BRAJ).

A man looks for supplies in a store in Tokyo that has almost sold out of food and drink as people are unable to return home after an earthquake March 11

“We formed a search committee to find all Arakanese Rohingya in Japan and contacted everyone. Alhamdu Llilah (Thanks to God) we, Arakanese Rohingya are all safe.”

“However, we all very worried due to the leakage of radiation from nuclear plants after the quake.”

“The daily life here became so tough even though our area is more than 300 kilometers away from the epicenter of the quake and tsunami-hit area. There are no foods available at the supermarkets, and no gasoline at the petrol pumps. The train service is not fully restored yet. The electricity is on and off, following the quota system. The weather is freezing,” Zaw Min Htut explained about the living situation in Japan.

“The quake was so strong and long-lasting. After the first major quake, there were many aftershocks. Every 10 or 15 minutes there was another medium-sized quake,” he added. “Children were very scared during the jolts from the aftershocks.”

“We, members of the BRAJ, offered to volunteer at the quake-hit area, but no ordinary people are allowed to go over there. Instead, we are trying to collect donations for the victims,” said a BRAJ member.

There are about 200 Arakanese Rohingya living in Japan. Among them are 30 women and 40 children.

“No one is starving nor has become sick. No Arakanese Rohingya are planning on leaving at the moment,” Zaw Min Htut added.

Houses are swept by a tsunami in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011

The Japanese archipelago is located in an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet. This is the cause of frequent earthquakes and the presence of many volcanoes and hot springs across Japan. If earthquakes occur below or close to the ocean, they can trigger tidal waves (tsunamis).

A massive 8.9-magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on March 11, causing thousands of deaths, more than 80 fires, and a 10-meter (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. Homes, buildings, and boats were swept away and damage is extensive.