This is all third hand, speculation and out right guesses

1. Devastation. I suspect that the early estimates for loss of life are off by a factor of ten
2. Very little communication in or out. Phone lines and cell service out for several days.
3. Japan is very well prepared for this; teams, supplies and systems in place.
4. That being said this will be a major challenge
5. The first thing that happens outside the area of destruction? You wait. Wait for info, wait to contact people affected, wait to be deployed. Where I used to live the first thing snowplow drivers did when there was news of a major storm approaching? Take a nap. might not be bad advice.

Teacher