Some New Mexicans stranded in Japan

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Communication is a vital link for families to keep tabs on loved ones in hard hit areas from Friday mornings earthquake in Japan, but as the destruction continues, getting in touch is getting harder.

That's especially true in Japan as News 13 spoke on Friday morning with two UNM students who are virtually stranded at the airport in Tokyo. Michael Sepulveda and his fiancee Velvet Valentine were in the airport when the initial quake hit and for the first aftershock. The building was later evacuated and has since been shut down indefinitely.

Meanwhile in Hawaii, former New Mexico resident Marie Aguilar, who now lives in Kailua Kona had to close a store she owns and operates with her husband. The store is in a lower level area and was reported to have flooded by two and a half foot waves that hit the island. Aguilar says in the area where she lives, land phone lines are down, but electricity and other services are still operating.

At last attempt, Michael Sepulveda could not be contacted by phone and a message saying "all circuits are busy" was heard instead.