Aside from all the other obvious reasoning, who knew something like this would happen? And who is to say that the same thing wouldn't happen in a second location?

Plus SE is based in Tokyo, Japan. It would make the most sense to have the servers there. To hire another IT department, plus servers, and going through all that trouble and cost is really something that is out of the question.

All I can ask of anyone and everyone, is to PLEASE give SE a break here. It's not their fault, and this is a horrific situation that is beyond anyone's control. If anything, I have to respect SE's decision to do the socially responsible thing. They are shutting down they servers to save energy for those who NEED it, who need to take care of vital functions, like hospitals for example.

My hopes and prayers go out the everyone affected by the disasters in Japan. Hang in there.